Jimmy Harte (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader for debate on the situation in the HSE north-west area. Many of the staff who work with people with disabilities or with autism, have had their travel halted. Unless the reason for the travel is a clinical one - this is very difficult to define - they are being informed they cannot travel. In a county like Donegal and it would also be the case in counties Kerry, Cork and Galway, travelling is part and parcel of providing health care and the health care system. I ask that the Minister of State come to the House to explain why the staff have been informed they cannot travel to carry out their duties unless it is at their own expense. The distance from Donegal town to Malin Head means this is a two-hour return journey. The HSE has informed staff there must be a clinical reason for the travel. My definition of "clinical" would be a requirement for surgery or a medical procedure. Many health services have been halted in County Donegal in the past month and it is possible they may not recommence until January 2013. I ask if the Minister is satisfied with this situation.