Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

I thank the Minister for her reply. As she knows, this is an area that has given rise to considerable concern and continues to do so despite the various emergency proposals that have been put in place. While they are an improvement, they are neither adequate nor appropriate. Over the years, numerous serious incidents have occurred out of hours but had these services been available, things might well have been different.

Is the Minister satisfied with the proposal, and the commitment given by Mr. Jeyes and the HSE, concerning the roll-out of the service she has outlined? Is she satisfied that the roll-out will take place prior to the end of this year? There have been promises in the past about this matter, but they have not come to fruition. In view of the various reports that have been prepared, including the most recent report on child deaths, it is vitally important that this service should be put in place immediately.

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