Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I support the concerns expressed by colleagues on matters relating to Tallaght hospital. Equally, I support what Senator O'Toole said about what one might expect of a Minister. Structures are in place and we should examine them. This scandal is a wake-up call on which we must take action.

Perhaps Senator O'Toole should note that the breaking news indicates that the hospital managers, the Minister, the Department of Health and Children, HIQA, the body which monitors health care quality, and the HSE were all aware. They have failed in their duties. The issue indicates clearly that the HSE, as a single service provider for the entire country, has failed. I call on the Leader to arrange a broad-ranging debate on the structure and management of the health service. The old health board structure with the input of local public representatives, that is, real democracy, must be revisited, as well as workable and appropriate management models such as using the European Parliament constituencies as catchment areas, which possibly would be able to deliver an appropriate health service. The Leader should try to accommodate such a broad-ranging debate with the appropriate Minister in place.

The country is facing its greatest ever financial challenge and ordinary people are suffering and feeling the pain. While NAMA has been put in place as a support system for the banks, I call on the Leader to consider options to put in place a support mechanism for ordinary people who face huge financial problems and find it increasingly difficult to meet the demands placed on them by the banks.