Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise two issues. First, in connection with the health (amendment) Bill, a constituent of mine rang me last night from the heart unit at the Mater Hospital. He is waiting for someone to donate a heart in order to survive. He also told me that there are 20 other patients in the same situation as himself. He asked me to raise this matter in the Dáil. A public awareness campaign is needed because people are dying every day whose hearts could be donated to others who need them urgently. At the moment there are 20 people in the Mater Hospital who need a heart donation. A public awareness campaign is essential. This is nothing to do with resources but with awareness. I ask the Tánaiste to raise this with the Minister for Health.

Second, regarding the Children First Bill, will the Tánaiste, along with the Minister for Education and Skills, examine the situation that will pertain in September with regard to services for children with special needs? An extra 4,100 children are coming into the system, including many young children with Down's syndrome, who need resources and support. I urge the Tánaiste to consider the situation carefully.

See this speech in context