Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I join my colleagues in seeking a debate on the libel laws. We have acknowledged that over the years many people in our own profession spent most of their time going to the newspapers instead of trying to resolve issues on the ground. Unfortunately, the situation has come full circle. A debate would help to clarify many of the issues.

I ask the Leader to invite the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to attend the House. The Minister should either clarify or deny that the hospital transport service, which has been very successful over the years in bringing patients to and from hospital appointments, has now been withdrawn. I am led to believe that currently in the Western Health Board region, as it was, word has come from the Minister that only cancer patients or those on dialysis treatment will be able to avail of the free transport service. It is causing great hardship for many patients. I am aware of elderly people who had to pay over €80 for taxis to attend hospital. This is unfair and unjust. The Minister should attend the House to resolve these issues.