Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Before I ask my question I wish to mention an issue which I and other Opposition Members have raised previously, namely, the fact that the Taoiseach is taking 23 parliamentary questions ranging from justice and defence, through climate change, health, mortgage arrears and Ulster Bank's crisis to the economy and jobs. I tabled eight of these questions to tease out substantive issues. I am not necessarily as interested in what was discussed in Cabinet meetings as in the issues arising. I observed Deputy Martin as he tried to deal with a pile of issues. It is not fair on him that he has to address these issues in a short space of time.

I intend to deal with the issue of health now and if I have another opportunity I will raise further issues. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has demanded further cuts to health spending. Figures recently released indicate that 158,000 patients have been waiting since January 2011 for an appointment to be seen by a consultant. The Department of Health has signalled in its strategy that €2 billion may be taken from the health budget by 2014. Today, 313 patients are on trolleys. How is the Government dealing with this ongoing crisis? I realise we are limited in terms of asking about the issues dealt with by the sub-committee on health but have emergency meetings taken place? Has the news that 313 patients are on trolleys resulted in additional meetings? When will we see the details on the Government's plan for restructuring the HSE and the HSE governance Bill? How do we deal with that?

How will the Government deal with the aforementioned health issues? How can the Opposition interact constructively with the Government to ensure our citizens get the best health service possible? If I have the opportunity I also want to raise the issue of people in mortgage arrears and the fiasco in Ulster Bank.

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