John Whelan (Labour)

Will the Leader please bring to the attention of the Minister for Health what appears to be an ongoing disconnect and a glaring gap between the stated ministerial and Department of Health policy and the realities of the roll-out of health services? Last week, the Minister stated in good faith and following advice from his officials that it takes 15 days to turn around a medical card application. In reality, everyone knows this is absolutely far from the truth. My concern is the unilateral policy of the Health Services Executive to close down public wards and beds in public nursing homes such as in Abbeyleix District Hospital, Ofalia House, Riada House, St. Brigid's Hospital, Shaen and Mountmellick hospital. The reality is that this appears to be totally at odds and at variance with the stated policy of the Government and the Minister. It is forcing elderly people in their 80s and 90s in Abbeyleix District Hospital to seek accommodation in private nursing homes. Last night, I was at a public meeting of upwards of 1,500 people, many of whom were in serious distress. One man in the hospital is due to celebrate his 100th birthday on 16 December. I call on the Leader to ask the Minister for Health to rein in the HSE. There is no HIQA report and there is no problem with the hospital. There are no health and safety, clinical or health provision issues. This is purely a book balancing exercise and the most vulnerable in our society should not have to pick up the tab for it. I call on the Leader to ask the Minister for Health to rein in the HSE and request that it operates under the policy he has set down.