Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

Yesterday, the Minister for Health and Children put the fear of God into people when she stated significant health cuts would be required. Having considered her comment in the context of my constituency, I note, for example, that on Wednesday of last week 12 people were waiting on trolleys in Portiuncula Hospital. I challenge the Minister's assurance, given to Senators on one of her previous appearances in the House, that cuts would not impact on the sick and most vulnerable in society. Bed closures have occurred. In Portiuncula Hospital, for example, 35 beds, including St. John's ward, have been closed. The hospice unit in Athlone is not open and many other facilities in Mullingar General Hospital will not proceed. I will not labour the point. Instead, I ask that the Minister come before the House to state categorically what cuts she intends to make.

I have other questions for the Minister. Will she explain what she means by the term "premium payments"? Will Professor Drumm who will retire this year be replaced? What is the function of the Department of Health and Children and how much does it cost? I do not believe it does much. What is the current position on the national children's hospital? I wish to raise a plethora of other issues with the Minister. She cannot pluck a figure of €3 billion in cuts from the air without informing us how these cuts will affect those who are sick. I ask the Leader to arrange to have the Minister come before the House at the earliest possible date - perhaps next week - to discuss the issue of health.