Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

The Cabinet is deliberating on the Travers report today so we do not yet know the final context. However, newspaper reports suggest the Tánaiste referred to systemic maladministration within the Department of Health and Children. It will be interesting to see how blame is apportioned and what degree of action takes place following this. If there was maladministration within the Department, effective action should be taken.

The report is likely to be published this evening. Given its implications, I ask the Leader to consider the feasibility of the report being debated in the House this week. Many people are asking questions on what is likely to happen with regard to residents in private and public nursing homes. Therefore, I and other Members would like to question the Minister in regard to what is likely to happen, whether the Statute of Limitations will apply, whether those in private nursing homes will be eligible as a result of the introduction in 2001 of medical cards for those over 70 years of age and many other questions. The Leader should consider the feasibility of rescheduling this week's business to accommodate discussion of the report with the Minister.

On another health-related issue, the three hallmarks of the health strategy as embodied by this Administration were supposed to be quality, fairness and equality of access. This morning, the accident and emergency unit at Cork University Hospital closed due to increased pressure.