Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 1 to the Order of Business:

"That following the conclusion of the Order of Business a period of one hour shall be set aside for statements on health".

The Seanad has not met for approximately eight weeks. The important issue throughout the country is the chronic problems in the health service as highlighted yesterday in St. James's Hospital, where 20 surgical operations had to be cancelled due to the lack of bed and theatre space. Last Sunday the Tánaiste said, with his chest puffed out, that the Government would not be mud wrestled on the issue of negotiating the contract with consultants. By 5 p.m. the next day the only person who was mud-wrestling was the Taoiseach by his evasive and less than supportive comments on the Minister for Health and Children.

It is important that we debate this issue today, in the context of the three solemn commitments given by the Government four and a half years ago. It promised 200,000 additional medical cards, which have not been delivered, 2,000 hospital beds, which also have not been delivered, and no waiting lists for elective surgery by 2004, also not delivered. Given the circumstances in St. James's Hospital yesterday and the continued speculation and controversy about the site for a national children's hospital, we must debate these matters today.