Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

The HSE overspend currently stands at €281 million and I note today that its chief executive is stepping down. I would like to know why that is the case. Was he requested to do so by the Government or did Mr. Magee feel that he could not continue to serve in the HSE? I believe all Members are concerned that we have had a €281 million overspend in five months, which is projected to be more than half a billion by the end of the year.

I have also received notice from Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to clarify that the future of the Malin Head coastguard station is secure in light of the Fisher Report recommendations.

Tomorrow, on the last sitting day of the House this session, we will be taking Second Stage of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012, which is six or seven months late. The Government has already projected savings on the HSE budget on the basis of reductions in the price of medical supplies. When will these savings be implemented? Yesterday I pointed out that nearly 40% of the beds in Thurles community hospital are being closed because the Minister for Health and his Department are not managing the health budget. It has already been proven that they are not up to the job. What is the timeframe for the passing of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill 2012 and when does the Government intend to make savings in this area? Will we have to wait until next year? I ask the Leader to clarify with the Minister for Health that he made a promise on 9 November 2011 to the community group from Thurles that the beds would be reopened in January 2012 and to confirm whether he made the promise in front of the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Alan Kelly, and other Deputies from the constituency.