Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to arrange an early debate with the Minister for Social Protection. As Members are no doubt aware, a national review is being conducted of community employment schemes. Cuts to the schemes were pencilled in but a review was announced on foot of the cross-party reaction. I ask that all stakeholders be included in the review because I fear we may be penny wise and pound stupid. Services are being provided throughout the country by those who participate in community employment schemes at a cost which the nation can afford. Many of the lone parents who participate in schemes have been told they must opt either to receive the lone parents allowance or participate in schemes without receiving the allowance.

I also seek a debate on health. I acknowledge health matters will arise tomorrow in the context of the debate on suicide but it has come to my attention that, as a cost saving measure, the HSE is not providing locum cover for consultants when they are on maternity leave. This is another example of being penny wise and pound stupid, particularly in respect of Our Lady's Hospital in Manorhamilton where locum cover is not being provided for a consultant on rheumatology who is to take maternity leave from this week. Despite great strides in this area over the past several years, the policy will double existing waiting lists over the coming months. On the issue of communications, Senator Landy referred to delays in medical card applications and we also had the letters from Revenue which were sent to pensioners. The handling of the issue relating to pensioners amounts to elder abuse in the context of-----