Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the sentiments expressed by the previous speaker on accountability in the HSE and not just with regard to sub-tendering in respect of contracts for the provision of services. Democratic accountability in the HSE is at an all-time low. The old health board system had democratic accountability. The current forums do not represent democratic accountability. Major issues are emerging across the HSE budget which are very often beyond scrutiny. The Minister should consider beefing up the health forums to give democratic accountability to locally elected representatives to sit on those forums and to hold the executive to account. Currently, that is not happening. The consensus among local authority members is that the forums are just talking shops. We need to beef up the democratic accountability to which reference has been made.

Ba mhaith liom dá dtiocfadh an tAire Stáit le freagracht as an nGaeltacht isteach anseo go luath agus is féidir tar éis sos an tsamhraidh chun díospóireacht a bheith againn ar chúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta ar lá amháin. Mholfainn ansin go mbeadh díospóireacht againn ar an lá eile maidir le Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge, straitéis atá an-tábhachtach, más féidir é sin a eagrú leis an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Seán Kyne.

Yesterday, we debated Lowcostholidays. I have received calls from individuals who are stranded abroad. One couple left their hotel yesterday morning to go to the beach. When they returned, their belongings were in the hotel room but they did not have access because the Lowcostholidays did not pay for the accommodation. There are major issues arising. To be fair, the Commission for Aviation Regulation and the banks seem to be co-operating. However, there is a bigger issue with the regulation of cheap holiday companies such Lowcostholidays, which went into administration at 4.30 p.m. on Friday last but which was still taking bookings at 4 p.m. that day. There are questions to be asked and the Consumer Protection Agencies should be required to forewarn customers when companies are in financial difficulty, if that were allowed. It may require change to the legislation but it should be considered.