James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

In the context of promised legislation, I wish to put a question to the Tánaiste - it was raised in the Upper House by Senator Healy Eames - regarding underfunding at Galway University Hospital in respect of cancer services and certain vital drugs. There is a €12 million shortfall in this regard. Only 30 of the 51 staff that were supposed to be appointed to this so-called centre of excellence are in place. It appears that a situation similar to that which obtained in Portlaoise is going to arise. These people were asked to do a job but we are not providing them with the necessary resources. Will provision be made in the eligibility for health and personal social services Bill to ensure that people's eligibility will be honoured in action as well as word?

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