Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mooney raised the issue of the provision of a cath lab in Sligo Regional Hospital. I am acutely aware of the problems relating to CAT labs because there is only one in Waterford but there is a need to staff a second lab. The Senator is correct that if people have a heart attack, there is a 90-minute window. Sligo is a case in point but if people have a heart attack in Waterford after 5 p.m. on Friday, they have to be transported to Cork and, therefore, one has to have a heart attack between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, which is ridiculous. Nobody can legislate for that. It is a serious matter, which I will bring to the attention of the Minister for Health because CAT labs are an absolute necessity, especially in Sligo, as few facilities are available north of the town and in the north west. Perhaps the Senator might table this issue as a Commencement debate to elicit a response from the Minister.

I will address the other health matter raised but I will have to amend the Order of Business because the Minister for Health, who was to take the statements on alcohol consumption, will be held up in the other House to deal with matters relating to Portlaoise hospital during the Topical Issues debate. He is anxious to deal with those matters in the other House but he is also anxious to attend this House to deal with the debate on alcohol consumption in Ireland. I propose that the debate on alcohol consumption in Ireland now be taken at 5.30 p.m. and conclude no later than 7 p.m., with the Minister to be called on to reply no later than 6.50 p.m. That will address some points raised on the Order of Business.

Senators Bacik and Whelan and several other Senators raised the question of the HIQA report regarding Portlaoise hospital. It was a damning report and the Government has accepted all eight recommendations. As Senator Bacik and others mentioned, there is a need for specialisation of maternity services. I will ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate on the specialisation of maternity services in the country. The Minister will deal with the Portlaoise matter in the other House.

Senators Bacik and Quinn referred to the success of the Springboard initiative. It is proving to be successful and the figures outlined by Senator Bacik attest to that.

The Senator also complimented the councils in Dublin on their efforts with community festivals. This is something that local authorities throughout the country do well.Senator Norris spoke about the Living City initiative, and was supported by Senator Coghlan. There is no question that it is a very positive scheme and will be beneficial in the cities. We referred to it on the Order of Business last week. As Senator Norris mentioned, capping the scheme at 210 sq. m would rule out Georgian Dublin, and I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Noonan. I do not believe it is the intention to exclude these wonderful houses.