Noel Coonan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the fact that we are having a debate on the scandal of nursing homes this evening. We are also debating the Disability Bill. While these two matters are exercising public opinion another scandal is unfolding in regard to the lack of services being rolled out to those in the midlands and west for cancer treatment and BreastCheck. While the Minister and the Department of Health and Children have dropped the word "Hanly" the report appears to be implemented. I suggest the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children be invited to the House to discuss the health services. County hospitals such as Nenagh are being downgraded by stealth by the removal of services from rural Ireland. There is life outside the Pale but the Minister does not appear to recognise that. We need to have a discussion on health services for the people of rural Ireland, on the functions of the Health Service Executive and what has happened to the health boards. As these scandals are being debated, another scandal is unfolding. The health services should be debated as a matter of urgency.