Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

It is indeed a momentous day when the Irish taxpayer must contemplate the recapitalisation of the banks, the administration of Quinn Insurance Limited and the public sector pay talks, which hopefully will come to a proper conclusion. These are the major issues that Members will debate this week. However, I wish to reflect on two issues that may be smaller in the context of people's general concerns but which are significant issues within the sectors involved. The first issue, on which I seek a debate with the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, as soon as possible, pertains to the non-availability of non-consultant hospital doctors in accident and emergency departments nationwide. A total of 25% of senior non-consultant hospital doctor posts are about to fall vacant in accident and emergency departments across the country. This is a serious issue for those patients who will be using accident and emergency departments in the coming weeks and months and must be dealt with.

Another issue on which I seek a proper debate in this House concerns a media report I read over the weekend to the effect that public servants going about their duty on behalf of the people now must get security personnel to accompany them. It is an incredibly sad reflection on the direction our society has taken that one must employ security guards to assist social workers, community care workers, doctors and nurses to do their jobs. As someone who has worked unsocial hours in deprived areas, I acknowledge that hairy situations can arise. However, in the past I never felt the need to have anyone riding shotgun with me when entering any such places. It is a sad reflection on society that there is an obligation for someone to ride shotgun with public servants as they go about their duty on behalf of the people.