Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I raise with the Leader the issue of the primary care unit in Athlone. Before Christmas I asked about the lack of progress on the primary care unit in Athlone since the designs were first drawn up in 1999. The property has been purchased and nothing is happening. I am disappointed that I have got no response from the Leader and that nothing seems to be happening. I appreciate it was Christmas and that, perhaps, it was difficult for him. I urge the Leader to ascertain the position from the Health Service Executive.

My second point concerns the ambulance service, which has threatened to take strike action. In Athlone on a Wednesday there is one ambulance covering the whole area. I ask that the Minister for Health and Children come into the House yet again and give us honest answers on what we are to do when somebody becomes ill in the Athlone area and the ambulance has gone to Mullingar or to Portiuncula Hospital. This has happened. I also ask that she clarify the contracting out of the transporting of patients and the escorting of psychiatric patients, as the system has been changed. We need clear answers from the Minister on all of these issues.