Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I join other speakers in requesting the Minister for Health and Children to attend the House for a debate on the cystic fibrosis issue, including the Pollock report on CF services. The Minister should also release the report that was promised in December on Dublin maternity services and the implications for such services where delivery rates are approximately 1,000 per annum. I wish to ask the Minister if existing services, such as colposcopy services, will be cut when cervical screening starts. Breast screening services in the local hospital in south Tipperary have been transferred to Waterford with the indication that next year colon and prostate services will be transferred to Waterford. I have a serious concern that the erosion of local health services will be to the detriment of the population of the area in which I live. Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House to deal with these issues?