Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have no difficulty in regard to the Constitutional Convention extension. On that issue, we had Tom Arnold in the House last week, but we have not had debates here on the individual reports. The Leader may correct me if I am wrong about that. We should have debates on them. The Dáil has had extensive debate on the issue, but it is our baby as much as it is that of the Dáil. We should take this up, but I will wait to hear the Leader's response.

I do not attribute any blame to the Leader, but the schedule for today is very light. We have an important debate, the update on youth justice policy, an issue which is close to the heart of many Members and which is an important national issue. However, there are other issues we could discuss today. One issue we could discuss, and I propose an amendment to the Order of Business in this regard, is that after the youth justice debate, the Seanad should discuss the situation in the HSE with regard to the lack of and vacancies for consultants. RTE's "Prime Time" programme made major revelations about the lack of consultants and the major gaps at the top of the health service. It seems the HSE is having huge problems. It appears the HSE has a secret report on this, outlining many of the dangers, risks and gaps in the service. That report has not been published. The Seanad should discuss this report and bring the Minister for Health to the House to provide some answers for people. There are huge gaps in the service and today Joe Duffy's programme is talking to many people who are on significantly long waiting lists.

People are complaining about the absence of the National Treatment Purchase Fund which used to guarantee service in nine months. It was abolished to make way for the special advisers and special delivery unit. These matters need to be cleared up. There are major gaps in consultancy and emergency services, as well as in services for cardiology, radiology, neurology and other specialties which affect people’s daily lives. Accordingly, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that the Seanad debate the health service. It has plenty of time to have such a debate. If the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, is not available to attend, I am sure Members would be satisfied with the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, who is doing a good job as spokesman when other Ministers are not available.