Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Last week I asked the Taoiseach if the Government had a national plan to protect front-line services following the well flagged and expected exodus of public servants on 29 February. He responded that the Government "has no intention of allowing a situation where it is not possible for front-line services to be fulfilled." He added that there was a central planning unit and sectoral planning units in place. However, he made no mention of the establishment of transitional teams, about which we had to wait last Sunday last to hear. A short while ago the Minister for Justice and Equality was unable to confirm the existence of a specific transitional team in his Department.

It appears that the transitional teams are stable door closing committees. This illustrates the mismatch between what is being said in the House and the reality on the ground. This is what we are picking up throughout the services. Various Ministers are saying the process of redeployment is being put to the test as a result. However, the trade unions are stating redeployment is not an issue, as there is total co-operation on the issue. It would appear that the real crux is when business plans are being sent up the line after redeployment has been agreed but are not being given the green light. That is particularly evident in the health sector. Maternity services are especially vulnerable to a situation such as this, and personnel are absolutely required to ensure safety and the avoidance of any difficulties. We gave the example of the maternity hospital in Limerick. Redeployment has been agreed locally and there is a need for additional staff after redeployment. One month after the business plan has been sent up the line, however, it has not been approved and it has not got the green light.

Yesterday the Minister for Health finally admitted that public patients will have their surgery cancelled as a result of what is happening.

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