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

I have a number of issues on forthcoming legislation to raise with the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach will agree it is very disturbing to read about how a hospital discharged an 81 year old woman who, following a stroke, is unable to swallow. She was deemed clinically unsuitable for peg feeding and is, therefore, facing the possibility of starving to death. It seems incredible and there must be a proper investigation into how this was allowed to happen. The woman's GP has highlighted the case and is saying what has occurred is unethical. The case, which is a serious and potentially harrowing case, is being reviewed by the President of the High Court. Will the Taoiseach speak to the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, in the context of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill that he mentioned earlier. Is there any prospect of dealing with this issue via any vehicle? It seems extraordinary that decisions of this kind are now being taken.

The Taoiseach will have read that AIB is offering a one year deposit rate of 1.4% to German savers, which is three times that which is on offer to Irish savers.

Many are asking why AIB is treating Irish customers in a far less effective way than German customers. Why are they being discriminated against? Have there been any discussions between the Government and AIB about this? Has the Central Bank any role?

The third issue concerns the Garda Síochána (Amendment) Act 2015, the Taoiseach's comments on which have been very interesting. He spoke about the importance of press freedom and he is reported in today's Irish Independent as rebuking the watchdog for spying on journalists. He was described as slapping down GSOC for snooping on the phone records of journalists. One could be forgiven for thinking he was commentating on somebody else's legislation but, in fact, this was the Government's legislation. The implication is that the Government is now disavowing the legislation. The Taoiseach has indicated that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald is bringing in amending legislation in this regard. Was the Taoiseach slapping down GSOC for this? Are those reports correct? When can we expect the amended legislation to deal with this issue?

To be helpful, Deputy Niall Collins has drafted and published legislation, which should be on the Order Paper, which would require GSOC to apply to the High Court before it monitors any phones. This would have the desired impact of protecting press freedom while allowing GSOC to pursue its legitimate work. Will the Government give some of its own time to accept Deputy Collins's Bill? It would put flesh on the bones of the comments the Taoiseach was making this morning about GSOC.

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