Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last night's "Prime Time" programme on maternity services was not easy viewing for anyone and particularly not for expectant mothers. It was revealed that 13 babies in the breech position were not diagnosed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda until their mothers were in the very late stages of labour. There were 21 undiagnosed breech babies at the hospital over a two-year period and there was one death. Unfortunately, these serious incidents have dealt a blow to confidence in our maternity services. I want to get clarification from the Taoiseach in relation to the patient safety licensing Bill, which is listed in the legislative programme. When can we expect that Bill, which will "provide for a mandatory system of licensing for public and private healthcare facilities", to be published? The programme for Government said that "a Patient Safety Authority .... will be established", but I understand that has now been dispensed with. The Taoiseach might clarify that point. When can we expect the legislation I mentioned to be brought to the House?

I could not believe what I was listening to when the Taoiseach spoke about the issue of small rural schools after it was raised on Leaders' Questions. I remind the House that three-teacher, two-teacher and one-teacher schools are in difficulty because the former Minister, Deputy Quinn, deliberately increased the pupil-teacher ratio and the specific thresholds for rural schools as part of the budget three years ago. He actually targeted them in order that they would find it more difficult to gain or retain a teacher. The result of that has been a steady decline in three-teacher, four-teacher, two-teacher and one-teacher schools. Contrary to what the Taoiseach suggested, it is not a grand demographic issue. The education Bill is due. It is absolutely incredible that the Taoiseach can say what he said earlier and get away with it. He almost indicated that he is oblivious to the budgetary policy pursued by his Government over three years. The effect of this policy on small schools in rural Ireland has been pointed out to him year after year.

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