Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Yesterday, a number of Senators expressed complete frustration, annoyance and concern at the lack of democratic accountability and debate in the House on the issues facing the country and the reluctance of the Government to engage in consultation while, at the same time, saying it is time for everyone to do their patriotic duty. The House is not being consulted on the issues of the day and I refer to three areas in particular.

Yesterday, the HSE's national service plan for 2009 was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It outlined cuts worth €500 million but the HSE stated last night that the plan is dated and it will have to provide for an additional €400 million in cuts. Front-line staff will pay the price for the €900 million worth of cutbacks in health services. The Minister for Health and Children referred yesterday to an excess of accident and emergency departments and the need to reduce their number. We may have an excess of junior Ministers but we do not have an excess of doctors in accident and emergency departments.