Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator McCarthy's call for a debate on the Health Service Executive and the manner in which it goes about its business. For some time I have said the jury is out on the HSE. However, for that period a number of people have been suffering due to the lack of an appropriate provision of service. In light of that I suggest we have a debate on the matter. I read with interest in today's newspaper about personal care packages for older people, which I initiated when I was in a position to do so. They can be easily applied but I understand the problem is in the application. I am in favour of ensuring that consumers avail of appropriate services.

Last week I asked the Leader a question about the HSE and its changing procedures for processing medical cards. That work has been removed from local offices and is centralised in an office in Finglas. People cannot find out from their local office how their medical card application or renewal is progressing. I understand staff who were dealing with this issue have been redeployed and new contract staff have been engaged for this process. I seek clarification on the matter as it goes against the grain. I would also like to know what additional costs are involved.

I asked the Leader yesterday to outline Government policy on the stability of our financial institutions and the assistance provided with their balance sheets to obtain funds from the international markets. It is important that the Leader makes a clear statement on the matter, whether it is today or some day next week. More important, we had a debate on the National Asset Management Agency in recent days. While we in this House participate in the parade, sometimes people watching get a different message. I ask the Leader to make a clear, unambiguous statement on NAMA. Is NAMA a bailout for developers? I know the answer to that but I would like to hear it from the Leader.