Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

I would like to propose an amendment to the Order of Business to urgently request the attendance in the House of the Minister of State with responsibility for people with disabilities, Deputy Moloney. Over the weekend and last evening, all Members will have seen devastating reports about families that have been left bereft of services. The HSE in Galway is now asking for a second cut of €2 million this year to be imposed on the services provided by the Brothers of Charity in Galway. I understand that such cuts are likely to spread throughout the country. More than 100 families are bereft because they expect to lose all respite services within two weeks. The Leader and I are both aware that such services represent the only lifeline of those who look after adults and young people who have disabilities. Further cutbacks are coming down the line. It has been suggested that five or six community houses will be closed and multidisciplinary posts in areas such as occupational therapy and speech and language therapy will be lost. I fear that the Minister of State does not know that the HSE in the western area is affecting people with disabilities in this way. I would appreciate it if the Leader would call such a vote today.

I would also like to ask the Minister for Transport to say where he stands on the western rail corridor, which offers new hope to the west and north west. The sections of the line that have been opened - most recently that between Ennis and Athenry - have been successful. We received devastating news this morning about the Galway city outer bypass. What are we doing? Are we trying to choke people on the eastern entrance to Galway? I am lost for words. I ask the Minister for Transport to address that matter as well.