David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I, too, wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy.

I call for a debate on the health service plan published yesterday by the Minister for Health. It is critical that we have a discussion on the impact the cuts to health services will have in regional and local hospitals. A total of €750 million has been taken from the health budget. A total of €1 billion was taken from it last year. Some 60 beds will be removed from public nursing homes, while 3,000 staff members will be lost across the health service. The Minister has indicated these cuts will have an impact on front-line services. The health service plan states the bulk of the reductions the Health Service Executive is required to deliver this year will impact directly on front-line services, despite the fact the Government promised us it would protect such services, deal with waste and the layers of bureaucracy and management in the system and issues such as the use of branded drugs without impacting on patient care.

Having attended a meeting of staff members at Waterford Regional Hospital I am aware that cancer and critical care services in the hospital are at breaking point. There is not even a 24 hour cardiology care service in Waterford or the region, yet we will see a curtailment of services. Surgical wards may close. I am sure the position is the same in every hospital; rather than protect front-line services, the Government, through the cuts made, is putting at risk patient care. Is the Leader prepared to stand over the cuts that will impact on hospitals in his area? Is he prepared to arrange a debate in which Members can challenge the Minister for Health on the impact the cuts will have on front-line services in every hospital?