Phil Prendergast (Labour)

How is it intended to fund the management of the swine flu pandemic in the State? I attended a briefing yesterday at which Dr. Tony Houlihan informed us that it is expected that up to 1 million people, or 25% of the population, may succumb to the virus in the coming autumn and winter. Up to 1,000 people may require life support in the hospital system. In the past, budgets were set aside to deal with the outbreak of foot and mouth disease and the decision to recall pork products. How is it proposed to deal with this pandemic without choking the entire hospital system? This is an unknown virus and the impact of infection on such a potentially large scale is unknown. It is incumbent on the Minister for Health and Children to make a statement on the matter in the House.

The Taoiseach has accepted that the contents of the report by an bord snip nua should be debated by the public. It is also important that the report be debated in the Houses of the Oireachtas. It merits a recall of the House to facilitate that debate. It should not be left to languish over the summer. Moreover, the recommendations contained therein should be kept entirely separate from the second referendum on the Lisbon treaty, the outcome of which is of great importance. We must all concentrate our minds in order to ensure people are not confused by issues not relevant to the treaty itself.

The Ombudsman has expressed concerns that elderly people may have been inappropriately sold certain investment products. Institutions who engage in such activity should be named and shamed. Such behaviour is an absolute disgrace.