Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I am glad Senator Regan seconded Senator Norris's amendment to the Order of Business because I was going to do so myself. What Senator Boyle raised are serious issues, as were Senator Norris's. After the budget, I asked the Leader if there was any coincidence that the one Government body critical of the Government's policy is being dismantled by the Government. I do not think there was.

According to some reports today, the 2009 Health Service Executive service plan contains proposals to introduce cuts in accident and emergency services in Dublin and Cork. Anyone who knows anything about accident and emergency services will know they are overstretched to say the least. Trolley Watch, a service provided by the Irish Nurses Organisation, reported this morning that 339 people were on hospital trolleys in accident and emergency units throughout the country. This is one particular health area that does not need further cuts because it is overstretched.