Phil Prendergast (Labour)

Dr. Conor Farren, a consultant psychiatrist who spoke at the opening of St. Patrick's University Hospital's new addiction and mental health centre, stated: "It is only now, in the post boom period, that we are recognising some of the negative consequences of the boom". He added that of the 250,000 people registered with addiction problems, including alcoholism, only 20% are engaged in any form of treatment.

It is with regret that I will be slightly parochial again, in that I wish to discuss the report on St. Luke's Hospital in Clonmel. There are so many problems within the service that Professor Brendan Drumm decided to allow a capital plan worth €20 million to facilitate the hospital's closure. Addiction services at Clonmel have been cut by 50%. This does not add up and is an indication of what has gone wrong with the HSE. At the Leader's earliest convenience, will he arrange a debate that will have meaning for front line services? The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, has repeatedly stated that she will not make cuts. At the same time, the facts on the ground do not support her ideology.

Fáilte Ireland's listed catering properties are officially classified as tourism businesses. Will they be subject to the charge of €200 or will they be treated separately? This matter is important, as they are not private residences and they comprise the only economy that can grow in this significant economic downturn. These buildings and businesses are dispersed across the country, so I am not being parochial. Tourism is the one area in which we could achieve growth. The issue requires an amazing amount of clarity.