Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I, too, have concerns regarding the report relating to the fact that trauma units may be closed. However, this is not a new phenomenon. While I take on board the concerns of certain colleagues to my left in respect of the number of sick and elderly patients on trolleys, it would serve us well to remember that in January 2010, under the stewardship of then Minister, Ms Mary Harney, there were over 500 patients languishing on trolleys. This just goes to show that the path was wrong then, that it is still wrong and that we need to change our ways.

I wish to refer to what has happened in the North. I take a somewhat personal view on this matter, particularly in view of the fact that we spoke a great deal about incitement to hatred a couple of weeks ago.We have seen towering bonfires, the burning of the Tricolour and images of politicians, and displays of sectarianism and ethnic hatred. This cannot go unnoted. We must ask: where will it stop? It is incitement to hatred. I call on the Taoiseach, the leaders of the political parties and the new British Prime Minister to examine what is happening. What example does the burning of the flag of the Republic of Ireland and the incitement to hatred give to young people in the North?

In the wake of the High Court case taken by the County Tipperary farmer, I request that the Leader ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to come before the House to tell us what action he will take to put right the injustice that has been done to many farmers across the State. It is very clear that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has flouted its rules and procedures and this has not been confined to County Tipperary. It is very clear also that any farmer who has had an inspection without the signing of a control report must now have his or her money, interest, and costs reimbursed immediately. Furthermore, it is imperative that their entitlements be reinstated so as not to affect payments in the future. The Agriculture Appeals Office also has questions to answer. Instead of being an independent appeals office, it is endeavouring to justify the actions of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It is very clear that the constitutional rights of farmers right across the State were breached and it is unacceptable the Department has not yet commented on this development. We need the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, to show leadership. It is appalling that farm families have had to go before the courts to establish their rights.