Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

On the forthcoming legislation in respect of the health service, the Taoiseach is aware the HSE board has been abolished and officials now occupy the seats of the former governors. While proposals have been put forward in respect of seven directorates, they are just proposals at present and in the meantime, hospitals are finding it extremely difficult to pay their way. Mr. Cathal Magee of the HSE has indicated that a deficit of €500 million is looming. The situation is in crisis and is directionless. As I noted earlier, it was reported last weekend that the Minister has hired, as part of his senior team, consultancies located elsewhere, which are paid by the taxpayer here but which have no obligation and which, by the manner and nature of the company formation, are not obliged to pay tax in Ireland. I urge the Taoiseach to bring forward the health governance Bill before the summer recess as a matter of urgency. I seek clarification on the governance issues now arising in respect of health-----

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