Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is not agreed. Why did the Ceann Comhairle not ask the Tánaiste to respond to the legitimate proposal I made for an extension of time of the Order of Business? I am not objecting to the contents of the Order of Business, rather I am objecting to the timescale for it. I would like the Tánaiste to respond on behalf of the Government. The Ceann Comhairle said that my proposal and that of Deputy Gilmore and Deputy Ó Caoláin introduced new matter to the Order of Business and, as such, was a matter for the Taoiseach. The Tánaiste represents the Taoiseach who does not want to be here on Thursday mornings. I ask the Ceann Comhairle to ask the Tánaiste to respond to the proposition. Surely a matter where potentially serious medical ailments could arise for patients whose letters of referral have not been opened in Tallaght Hospital is a matter the House should consider?

When responding to the first case I raised in this House with the Taoiseach about the medical condition of an elderly lady, he said these cases are too facile to raise in the Parliament. I remind the Ceann Comhairle this is the most important element of who we are and what we do - the life and good health of our people. This is a matter of the most serious concern and I would like the Tánaiste to respond to the legitimate proposition I made here.

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