Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note that quite a lot of Members who made points on the Order of Business are not present to listen to a response. I have no intention of responding to individuals who raise points on a daily basis in this House and then run out of the Chamber after making them. It is most discourteous to the House.

Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the issue of perinatal care. I certainly will try to have a debate on that subject in early course. The three health Ministers have been in the House in the past two weeks and another health Minister will be here tomorrow. I certainly will do my best to arrange for statements on this issue and, if not, perhaps the subject could be tabled in the context of a Private Members' motion to enable Members to deal with the issue. In dealing with Temple Street Hospital, Senator Darragh O'Brien certainly raised those points with the Minister. I note the Senator has written to him again and I certainly will raise the matter with the Minister myself as well.

The vast majority of Members raised the question of local government. I am afraid I am not as well informed as other Members and I have not had the opportunity of reading the proposals that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, announced today. As Members have noted, it would be proper if we held an informed debate on the subject. Many Members have raised individual items which could be raised in the context of that debate. I have been assured by the Minister that he will come well in advance of any legislation to discuss the reforms but I cannot accede to the request that he come here today to discuss them.