Dáil debates

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

3:00 pm

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 21 and the name of the Member in each case: (1) Deputy Martin Ferris — the need to discuss the recent staff reductions in the acute psychiatric ward at Kerry General Hospital, the failure of management to consult, as required by a Labour Court ruling, with the staff and unions in the hospital, and the need to conduct a full health and safety audit prior to any reductions in staffing levels being implemented; (2) Deputy Frank Feighan — further to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 5 February 2009, on behalf of person, details supplied, who, while recovering from kidney and pancreas transplant, unfortunately fell and broke both hips and is in severe pain, the family needs an extension of transport to enable her to travel to Dublin until her condition improves — due to her present condition she cannot travel in an ordinary car — transport is required only as a temporary measure, and I am asking the Minister for Health and Children to accede to this urgent request; (3) Deputy John Perry — to ask the Minister for Education and Science and the Minister for Health and Children to reverse the cuts proposed in nursing education programmes; in particular, it is proposed that at St. Angela's College, Sligo, the number of general nursing places will be reduced by 25% and intellectual disability nursing places will suffer a 40% reduction; at this time of massive job losses, cutting nursing training places is unwise, both economically and socially; (4) Deputy David Stanton — the need to ensure export companies have adequate credit insurance; (5) Deputy Charlie O'Connor — the provision of front line patient care at Tallaght hospital, Dublin; (6) Deputy Simon Coveney — the need for an effective policy to combat human trafficking, particularly in view of the case involving a person details supplied; (7) Deputy Kathleen Lynch — to discuss the current situation regarding the renewal of the bilateral adoption agreement between Ireland and Vietnam for the purpose of inter-country adoptions; (8) Deputy Jimmy Deenihan — the decision not to salvage the Asgard II.

The matters raised by Deputies Charlie O'Connor, Simon Coveney, Jimmy Deenihan and David Stanton have been selected for discussion.