Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

Yesterday at my clinic in Mullingar I met an elderly lady with osteoporosis who told me she had to attend a hospital appointment. However, because no transport is provided by the HSE for patients from Longford, Mullingar and Athlone who must attend hospital appointments in Tullamore, she had to cancel the appointment, for which she had waited a long time. She subsequently rearranged it and will attend St. James's Hospital which is bursting at the seams. It is incredible to think the HSE is deciding which hospitals patients will attend without providing transport. Family members of this little old lady have cars, but they work. She was outraged and disgusted because there is no transport to Tullamore from the area provided by CIE or the HSE. People must travel more than 50 miles from Longford to Tullamore. Patients must also attend Tullamore hospital for chemotherapy. My colleague, Councillor Peggy Nolan, has raised this issue on several occasions. Will the Leader arrange an debate on it at his earliest convenience to ensure transport is provided in all these areas?