Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for coming to the House. He sent to the people of Roscommon before the general election a letter, in which he gave a commitment to retain the accident and emergency service in Roscommon County Hospital. How does he feel about that now, in view of the fact that 44 patients are on trolleys in UCHG and 429 throughout the country? Dr. John Barton, the Minister's dear colleague who wrote his policy document, has suggested he must resign or leave the country because he is not getting enough money for the service at Portiuncula. Is the 24 hour accident and emergency service safe there? In the light of the experiences in Roscommon and elsewhere and in the light of the commitments given by Labour Party and Fine Gael Members, will the Minister consider restoring an accident and emergency service on a 24 hour basis, seven days a week to Roscommon County Hospital? Deputy Denis Naughten resigned, but neither Deputy Frank Feighan nor Senator John Kelly has done so. The commitment given has been broken by the Minister who should feel embarrassed and ashamed.