Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

There is much I could say about the Cabinet reshuffle. I am hugely disappointed with the title "Department of Education and Skills". The word "upskilling" is a verb used in the context of training. This new Department title will be, internationally, viewed as a joke.

I rise to seek an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that the Minister for Health and Children be urgently requested to come to this House to discuss a serious situation at Galway University Hospital brought to my attention during the past few days. This hospital is experiencing serious and life threatening under-funding of €22 million. Most Members will be shocked to hear the following. Some €12 million of that €22 million is funding promised to Galway University Hospital for cancer drugs and 30 new staff following its designation as one of the cancer centres for the north and north west. To address this deficit, which the hospital is being asked to do, the hospital must cut €3 million allocated for aggressive treatment for end of life cancer patients.