Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I support Senator O'Meara's comments about accident and emergency departments. Last year 1.2 million people passed through such departments, of whom 285,000 were admitted to hospital. It is vital that the House debates the future of accident and emergency departments throughout the State.

I support the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Brian Hayes, which calls for a debate on the Leas Cross report. The issue was first mooted 18 months during a "Prime Time" programme, although Deputy O'Dowd raised it as far back as 1999 when he was a Member of this House. We have waited a long time for action. The Government was quick to introduce legislation to charge people in nursing homes, yet 18 months after the Leas Cross scandal was exposed, legislation to address the issues raised still has not been brought forward. This is not the way to do business. Senator Norris referred to inspection teams, which are needed.