Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to Senator MacSharry, it is important to point out that the Minister for Health has implemented a good deal of change within a very short period, taking into account the considerable demands on the medical service. For example, the number of medical cards has increased from 1.145 million to 1.85 million. During Deputy Reilly's reign as Minister, the number of outpatient appointments and surgical procedures has increased dramatically in all hospitals throughout the country. Therefore, to suggest the health service is in chaos under his jurisdiction is totally inaccurate and incorrect.

I refer to an entirely different issue. We are now heading into the Christmas period where there is a great deal of emphasis on the sale of toys. It is important that the relevant Department should run an advertising campaign on safety issues. In Europe more than 180,000 children are admitted to emergency departments in hospitals during the Christmas period because of accidents arising from defective toys or toys not being used correctly. There is an EU toys directive and also a system, Rapex, whereby if a defective item is identified in one country that country must notify the other 26 about the defective item. It is important to focus on safety at this time, especially with young children. The relevant Department, which I believe is under the remit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, should carry out an advertising campaign during the coming four weeks, emphasising safety issues and the potential dangers of counterfeit toys. There are a number of fake toys on the market and this should be highlighted, as well as the need for people to purchase from reputable shops and suppliers.