Mary Henry (Independent)

Whatever about the rights and wrongs of the situation affecting the maternity services in Cork, at least women there receive treatment. In Galway University Hospital and in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda there are delays, in some cases of up to 20 weeks, for pregnant women to have their first visit. That is two to three months later than the recommended time for good treatment. How has this been allowed to arise? Will the Leader ask some Minister in the Department of Health and Children to attend the House to address the issue?

While the Minister is here we could also discuss the cancer strategy which has made no progress since it was introduced nearly a year ago? Could this be because some small hospitals will be advised they are doing inadequate work in the provision of good cancer treatment and that it should no longer be provided therein, and because the Government fears local hospital candidates may be put forward for election?