Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to arrange an early debate on the health services with the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I am particularly concerned about the report regarding the acute surgical services in Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital that has been submitted to the HSE. However, the HSE will not give elected Members a copy of the report and will not consult with us in this regard. It has no democratic mandate to agree to downgrade the services at Roscommon County Hospital and deprive the people of that area of acute surgery, which has far-reaching consequences for the future viability of the hospital. However, the elected representatives, including former Ministers and Deputies, are not being consulted. The Department of Health and Children appears to have washed its hands of responsibility for the HSE. To bring back accountability to this House the Minister should give account of all policy decisions regarding vital services for the people of our area and the country. We are being left redundant in this regard. We are being snubbed by the HSE in many issues. It is about time that we, as the second House of the Oireachtas, brought the Minister into the House to question her, like the arrangement you have, a Chathaoirligh, through you and the Leader of the House. We should put questions to her and get answers in regard to our issues. We represent the people. I never came across the HSE or any of its officials on a ballot paper.