Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

Today we have reached the 100th day of the new Government. I do not want to dwell too long on that as it is not necessarily appropriate to fill out a report card on a Government after 100 days, but the incoming Government made a big issue of the first 100 days. It is, therefore, important to note that with regard to the EU-IMF programme in particular, the rate cut remains outstanding. I would like to hear from the Leader the up-to-date situation with regard to the negotiations with the troika on the rate cut, which we learned last week will only apply to moneys not drawn down, rather than the total fund. Therefore, instead of the savings of €440 million per annum the Government stated would be achieved, the savings are now reduced to €160 million per annum and the Minister for Finance has said we should not overplay the importance of the rate cut. I agree with him. I said that prior to the election, but the problem is the Government had made firm promises in this regard and said the deal was practically done. I will not rehash the old rhetoric of the Opposition parties at the time, but the failure to achieve the rate cut is a disappointment. There is also disappointment with regard to the U-turn on third level fees, the universal social charge and issues such as not signing the enabling works for metro north, the largest infrastructural project due to get under way this year, at the cost of 260 jobs. The list goes on and on.

I will be positive in one regard. I read this morning and an announcement was made yesterday about the review of the Croke Park deal. This deal met with much derision from Members of all parties when it was done, including my party. However, it is good that the independent review has said that solid progress has been made. I welcome the fact there has already been a saving of over €250 million on salaries, but it is important that there is progress on public sector reform and not just on the monetary aspects of the agreement. It would be more than helpful if the Minister with responsibility for that reform, Deputy Howlin, could come to the House to discuss the issues when he has his full powers. As Deputy Byrne mentioned yesterday, the Bill to establish his Department has not yet been passed. That aside, it would be worthwhile for him to give the House an opportunity to discuss the progress of the Croke Park agreement. Credit is due to the public sector on the progress made, which shows that when people put their minds to it and work together on an agreed basis, savings can be made. It is important this House regularly reviews the issue on foot of the report.

On the announcement made yesterday by the HSE with regard to changes to the operation of a number of hospitals, a number of colleagues on this side of the House, including Senators Leyden and MacSharry, have raised concerns about Roscommon County Hospital and Sligo General Hospital and the reintroduction of cancer services. I note with interest that Senator O'Keeffe put forward a matter for the Adjournment on that issue today. Many colleagues in both Houses said they would resign after 100 days if cancer services were not reinstated in Sligo General Hospital. Roscommon County Hospital, Navan General Hospital, Louth County Hospital, Portlaoise hospital, Ennis hospital, St. John's Hospital in Limerick, Mallow General Hospital and Bantry hospital all face having their services curtailed. This is a cause for concern.

The Minister for Health will make an announcement to the media tomorrow, Friday, but he will not make an announcement to the Dáil or Seanad with regard to how he will deal with this situation, although many Members have raised their concerns. It was a prevalent practice in previous Governments - something that needs to stop - for important announcements like this to be made to the media. These announcements should be made in the Oireachtas and not to journalists at press conferences.