Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

This is a matter of great importance for communities throughout the country and for the management of the health service. Warnings were given when we debated the legislation to establish the Health Service Executive. At what point is there any democratic accountability or input into major decisions being made? I ask the Leader to respond on the matter as soon as possible.

I also ask the Leader to arrange a debate at an appropriate time on the Government's policy on foreign adoption. This follows a report that the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, stated last week that the era of foreign adoptions is coming to an end. Obviously this would be a matter of major importance to many people throughout the country. It is a major policy issue and one that I hope the Leader would raise.

Last week I asked for a debate on the national treatment purchase fund following the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General. I ask the Leader to respond to me on the matter.