Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Leader and I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this matter ten days ago. It is so important to have that type of service.

I ask the Leader of the House to allow a debate on health issues. For example, it would have taken one hour for an ambulance to come to a young lady, a mother of three children, who was haemorrhaging. Fortunately, a neighbour collected her and brought her to Roscommon County Hospital where surgeon Michael Relihan came on duty and saved her life. This is what it means to have a local hospital. The HSE and other policymakers do not realise people's lives will be affected and lost unless these good quality services are provided and maintained. Having surgeons and physicians on duty 24 hours a day is vital. It is the most important service in the country. I want the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, to attend the House so I can explain to her again what would have happened if the hospital had not been on call and Michael Rennan was not there to give emergency surgery on 23 November. I compliment the hospital and staff involved.