Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

For the people who have had letters of referral left unopened in bags in Tallaght hospital, this is a crisis. The Minister for Health and Children will not return from New Zealand until 22 March. This is another catastrophe. Deputy James Reilly, on behalf of the Fine Gael Party, has already said that if the Taoiseach decides to reappoint this Minister to the Department of Health and Children, we will move a motion of no confidence against her. The Labour Party has indicated it will do likewise.

I am concerned that we have clarity from the Tánaiste in the absence of the Minister for Health and Children as to what the facts are in this matter. Are we to understand that there are thousands of letters unopened - many of them letters of referral by GPs - in Tallaght hospital? As I said, these letters of referral may refer to serious conditions, whether tumours, cardiac problems, bowel cancer or whatever.

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