Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand that the report of the steering group on hospital trauma facilities has not yet been published. I also understand that the Minister has yet to read and respond to it. However, I join with colleagues in asking the Leader to provide for an early debate on the report with the Minister. I make no apologies for being parochial and saying that I would be concerned if there were to be any diminution of services at Cavan General Hospital. I am concerned that it is on the list and that there might be any reduction in services available to the people who use them, which is ultimately the issue. I appeal to the Leader to provide for that debate as a matter of urgency.

Last week, I raised with the Leader the issue of how we could make greater use of home help hours and home care packages and, specifically, the carer's allowance to help reduce hospital waiting lists and delays, but when replying to me he was interrupted by a point of order. I would be interested in hearing a response from the Leader on that issue today and also, if possible, a commitment to a debate on the issue. As I said last week, I know the Leader, due to his chairmanship of the previous Joint Committee on Health and Children, has an acute awareness of what I am talking about. I am convinced that there is more that could be done through the use of the home help scheme, home care packages and the carer's allowance to reduce hospital waiting lists.

I make no apologies for defending the excellent services of Cavan General Hospital and seek an assurance that any threat in that regard will be discussed in our national parliament prior to being actualised.