Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to have a debate on breast cancer services before the House takes No. 1. Senators will share my concerns about what has emerged since the House last met. Women's faith in the health service appears to have been permanently damaged. In light of information which has emerged in recent days, every woman who has had a test for cancer will wonder whether her test result was accurate. Since the House last met, eight women who underwent tests in the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, have been diagnosed with cancer, having earlier experienced the wonderful relief of being given the all-clear. A further six women now face the agony of being retested to determine if earlier tests failed to diagnose cancer.

While there is scope for cross-party work on this issue, the Taoiseach is behaving as if he has not been in Government Buildings for the past ten years. It is as if he has suddenly woken up and is asking what is happening. Fianna Fáil Party Ministers, namely, Deputies Martin and Cowen, had responsibility for health for ten years.

Why is the plan for cancer services not being implemented? A report produced seven years ago concluded that specialist centres were needed. Senators will share my concern about the lack of a timetable for the implementation of these specialist centres. In addition, answers to questions about resources have not been forthcoming. What resources will be made available? The House should debate breast cancer services to give every Senator an opportunity to speak on the issue.

I am also concerned about the response to concerns raised about a 15 year old machine being used in the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. The Government accepted a pay hike yesterday, yet a 15 year old machine was not replaced when this matter was brought to the attention of the Health Service Executive. I am also concerned about the breakdown in communications between the Government, the Minister for Health and Children and the Health Service Executive. The health service looks like a ship without a captain. Accountability appears to be absent and it is not clear who is in charge or responsible for what is happening. For all these reasons, I request a debate on breast cancer services. I move the amendment.