James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

Information on that issue will become available during the next couple of days. Senator Moran raised the issue of inclusion on the LTI of patients suffering stress. We have no plans to do that. However, everyone will have a medical card in the not too distant future. I hear what the Senator is saying but it is not possible to cover everyone in one go. One must go about this in a structured fashion and within the reality of ever-diminishing budgets.

As for the closure of the laboratory in County Louth, that should not present a problem. It is 24 miles down the road and the journey takes 25 minutes on the motorway. Moreover, the use of information technology should allow for immediate reporting back to the hospital by electronic means. I am sure that is what is intended, but I will double-check for the Senator.

Senator Michael Mullins mentioned the reduction in the number of outpatient clinics because of workload and fears regarding the introduction of an 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. service. There is no plan for that to happen and staffing levels will be adjusted by the manager to ensure there is no reduction.