Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I support my colleague, Senator Donohoe, in calling for a debate on competitiveness. There is much good news to be disclosed with regard to the work of Government in addressing the issues associated with competitiveness, including that it has identified problems that warrant addressing. The Minister for Finance, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment are working together and have addressed a number of issues. Over the course of the coming weeks and months we will see, as we have already started to see, the turn of the tide. We will see a greater improvement in the competitiveness of the Irish marketplace. This is important in helping us address some of the current economic and financial difficulties. I look forward to the good news we will be hearing in the area of competitiveness.

I ask the Leader to assist me on two issues with regard to health services. First, is the Leader aware of any change of policy by the VHI or independent hospitals with regard to private patient care, or an indication by the VHI that it will no longer cover private care in some hospitals? Some information has been brought to my attention in this regard. If this is correct, it will cause complications for the Revenue Commissioners, hospitals and private patients with regard to waiting times.

I ask the Leader to try to achieve some progress in the matter of a distraught and bereaved family. A young man by the name of Sean Dunne was allowed to leave Beaumont Hospital in February of last year-----