Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I am certain Deputy Martin will be pleased that I was present to take the opportunity to speak.

This threatened cut was first revealed by me, interestingly, when we obtained a copy of a letter sent by the Health Service Executive ambulance management to hospitals in the west region stating that from 1 July transport services for people requiring dialysis and cancer care supports and services would be stopped. This concerned the whole west region, from the Cork-Kerry border all the way to Inishowen in County Donegal. This threat has caused serious concern. We were told subsequently that it would not be implemented and we are now told there is a review. I ask the Minister to elaborate on what review is in train. Will he have the final say in the matter?

The Minister has indicated his disposition towards HIQA, which must operate with certain terms and conditions applying to its remit. It is important to remind him of his public statement that he will take back responsibility for the health service and is not abrogating his responsibility, as the previous Minister did, in relation to the Health Service Executive. I welcome that statement and encourage him in that respect. If that is the case, does he agree with the view expressed by the director of operations for HSE west, Mr. John Hennessy, when he referred to-----

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