Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment to the Order of Business by my colleague, Senator Thomas Byrne.

I call on the HSE to publish its report on the recruitment of consultants. Two weeks ago, the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, denied at the Joint Committee on Health and Children that the recruitment of consultants was more difficult at the moment. Since then, he has back-tracked on that statement and has admitted that the HSE is having difficulty in filling some very important consultant posts. The public has a right to know what the report contains.

I join other colleagues in commenting on the revelations that have emerged in recent days in respect of Irish Water. We had a detailed and comprehensive debate here prior to Christmas and myriad amendments and questions were put to the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd who, in fairness, did his best to answer them. Since then, we have had amazing revelations. When the eminent Professor FitzGerald says that Irish Water will be overstaffed by more than 4,000 people we should sit up and listen before it is too late. I agree with Senator Fidelma Healy Eames that the merger and establishment of Irish Water should cease until such time as we know all the facts. Please excuse the pun, the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, may want to wash his hands of this situation as he may be departing for a plum job in Europe.