Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

Yesterday, I asked the Leader to ask the Minister for Health and Children when the Hanly report would be published. It is extremely relevant to the health service generally but particularly to small hospitals. Meanwhile, it has been drawn to my attention that a consultant at Limerick Regional Hospital has said that the implementation of the working time directive for junior doctors would have a "lethal effect" on small hospitals. In that regard the issue is very urgent and I appeal to the Leader to have the Minister come here as soon as possible and account for decision making on the future of our health services. The public needs and is entitled to know of this and we would like to give the Minister our considered thoughts on the issue.