Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

Could the Leader examine further the facts put before the House by Senator Healy Eames regarding hospital consultants, working on behalf of the State to save people's lives, seeking cash from patients? While the Leader is bringing that matter to the attention of the Minister for Health he might also ascertain from the Minister the progress he has made in curtailing and reducing the cost of hospital consultants' contracts to the State. Has any progress been made in bringing down this cost? Consultants are paid massive amounts of money from the public purse. Cost efficiencies could certainly be achieved there. When the Minister for Health comes to the House, could he reflect on the progress made in this regard?

A Chathaoirligh, given that you ruled my Adjournment matter regarding the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and the competition to find the New 7 Wonders of Nature out of order, could the Leader ask Deputy Michael Ring, the Minister of State with responsibility for tourism, to find out what Fáilte Ireland is doing to promote the New 7 Wonders of Nature vote? If the Cliffs of Moher become one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature it will be a major boost for tourism, not only in County Clare but throughout the country. This competition has enormous status throughout the world and millions of visitors would be attracted to this country were the Cliffs of Moher to become one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It is incumbent on the Government to prioritise this.

The working group in Clare are completely frustrated by the lack of involvement by Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport. This is an urgent matter that needs the urgent attention of the Minister. I ask the Leader to bring it to his attention.