Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Many people are extremely concerned about the very sad case in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, where the wrong kidney was removed from a child during an operation. The family wants privacy but given the enormous concern that a case like this raises among patients and families, whatever report is prepared should be made available as soon as possible. We must know the facts of the case.

The pharmacy dispute continues to be of huge concern. I ask the Leader to raise the matter with the Minister for Health and Children and to reassure Members that steps are being taken behind the scenes — even if we are not being told about them — so that patients will not suffer if the dispute escalates. Clearly I would prefer it if the escalation of the dispute does not go ahead.

I wish to refer to an issue raised in this House last week. I ask the Leader to apologise to Members on this side of the House for the comments he made regarding our approach to the Lisbon treaty.