Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

We have had much discussion about the operation of the HSE and there is general agreement the organisation is not working. The latest debacle in the north east is another example of an organisation in crisis but, rather than wringing our hands about it, as some Members are doing, my party is proposing improvements. Later we will launch a six-point plan outlining how we think the HSE can be improved and it covers issues such as reducing bureaucracy, promoting accountability and putting the patient first. It is a constructive and reasonable plan and I encourage other Members to read it and to take on board what we propose.

I refer to the subject of language. Last week Members complimented the Houses on the provision of French and Irish classes for Members. Will the Leader use his good offices to look into whether it would be possible to arrange classes in plain speaking? The Taoiseach can speak three languages, Irish, English and a language with which I am not very familiar.