Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

Like my colleague, Senator McCarthy I ask the Leader for a debate on accident and emergency services in the southern region. My colleague referred to a leaked report, but I am satisfied that the report that was leaked was predicated on outdated medical practices. I am pleased to note that, at the request of the Minister, Professor John Higgins, a consultant obstetrician, is carrying out a review of acute hospital services in Mallow, Tralee and Bantry, my home town, and I look forward to that report. He has plans and dreams for Bantry and I hope his report, which is due in a matter of weeks, will override the leaked reports, which are negative.

Unfortunately, the downgrading and closure of Bantry hospital has been an issue since I first ran for public life in 1985. As usual, at election time the state of the hospital and its services are exaggerated and exacerbated by all sorts of rumours. I have confidence in Professor Higgins, whom I met. I hope he will find ways of circumventing the problems there with accident and emergency services.

I note there is a motion on the Order Paper to be taken without debate and I will obviously adhere to the request by the Leader regarding the transfer of seafood marketing functions to Bord Bia from Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM. The issue is worthy of debate although I do not demand it today. Sometimes orders are made that have significant impact and are welcome. I urge the Leader to consider debating such matters in the House, including the salient features or the negative impact of the transfer of marketing functions from Bord Iascaigh Mhara to Bord Bia. I hope it does not denigrate the status of BIM, which, from my dealings with it in the past 20 years, is an excellent organisation. It has an international reputation that is second to none. I hope the transfer of some of its functions to Bord Bia will not have an adverse effect on Bord Iascaigh Mhara.