Seanad debates

Thursday, 12 December 2002

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)

I support Senator Brian Hayes's call for a discussion on the situation at Monaghan hospital. As he correctly stated, people have been campaigning outside the House for a considerable length of time and, obviously, there are strong feelings in this regard. The situation, where a woman was turned away from the hospital, is quite tragic. She was having a difficult time in labour and the ambulance had to stop. The child was born alive and survived until it reached Cavan hospital, but died shortly afterwards. There was a suggestion on radio this morning that the child might have lived had it been given appropriate medical treatment. That is an appalling prospect and a cruel thing for the mother. I hope she did not hear the report. It is appropriate that we should discuss the situation.

I refer to what my colleague, Senator Ryan, said about the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Dempsey. I understand the Minister is not restricting the number of special teachers but has instituted an audit. That is perfectly reasonable and more Departments should take action of this kind. We should not be afraid to face facts and the resources of the State, which are now limited, should be targeted and directed in the most appropriate—

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