Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

It is important that we address this matter in the House and that it does not go through without debate. I highlighted earlier, in a request under Standing Order 32, the serious effect of the contraction of health services on members of the public, particularly young people. I ask that we avail of the opportunity for a full debate covering the raft of Revised Estimates in the current straitening economic circumstances.

In times such as this we must remember that the House did a bad day's work when the Disability Bill 2001 was passed but not as rights based legislation. Departments are now imposing the greatest pain and hurt on those who can least protect or provide for themselves. These matters must be addressed. In any revision of Estimates the entire impact on the daily lives of ordinary people must be factored in. I join colleagues in requesting a full debate in the House on these matters. It would be a key to allowing such an exchange on the floor of the Dáil.

See this speech in context