Michael McCarthy (Labour)

Will the Leader ensure the Minister for Health and Children gives a guarantee that there will be no reduction in accident and emergency services? I have argued that the HSE is not politically accountable and masks the responsibility of the Minister of the day. Given that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, is no longer attached to a political party and may not stand in the next general election, what mandate has she in relation to health policy? Where did it come from? Was it debated at her party's national conference? Is it Government policy, by and large? Is there any level of contact between the Minister and the HSE to ensure vital services such as accident and emergency are not further downgraded?

I welcome, however, the Minister's direction to the HSE that colonoscopies should be performed within a month of a general practitioner's referral.