Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to raise a few issues. Last week we had a very good debate on mental health but I wish to raise the issue of unit 5B in University Hospital Limerick, from which five people were missing for a number of days, and security on the hospital campus. People were in the hospital for a particular reason and were receiving a lot of valid help. The fact they were able to walk out of the hospital and remain undetected is frightening. One lady was missing for an entire weekend.

I welcome the fact the number of rheumatology clinics in the hospital has more than halved. However, pain relief clinics have been cancelled each week for the past number of weeks. Will the Leader take up the matter with the Minister for Health?

A Garda-led programme called Operation Prowl was rolled out on the streets of Limerick over the past three or four years, ensuring that gardaí were visibly seen during the working day while businesses were open, especially on the main streets. The programme helped to reduce the number of robberies in shops. Unfortunately, the Garda has announced the programme has ceased. The business community is very put out by the news because the number of thefts had reduced.