Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I cannot agree to the Order of Business this morning unless the Leader can provide time today to allow the Minister for Health and Children to come before the House to make an urgent statement concerning the tragedy that occurred in the Cavan-Monaghan area in recent days. Members on both sides of the House are aware of the tragedy concerning a woman who was six months pregnant and lost her baby as a result of what would seem to be bureaucratic bungling between a number of hospitals in the region.

While I am aware the Minister has launched an immediate investigation which will be carried out by the North Eastern Health Board, it would be entirely wrong for the House to adjourn today without the Minister coming here to make a statement on this important matter. It is not just important to the region, but it has significance to other hospitals throughout the country. As the Leader is aware, the Monaghan Hospital Action Group has been protesting on our doorstep for some months to highlight the difficulties concerning that hospital. It is only right that there should be a statement from either the Minister for Health and Children or one of the three Ministers of State at the Department. The Leader should allow for a debate between the Minister and a number of colleagues from all sides of the House. Unless provision is made now for such a debate, my group cannot support the Order of Business as proposed.