Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise to request a debate on health, to cover a myriad of pieces, especially the HSE winter plan and a debate on the managing of our healthcare system, to include bed capacity, community care and mental health. The Minister for Health has been speaking about the significant challenges, notwithstanding the changes announced today. An example is the winter flu vaccine and the role of our community pharmacies and our pharmacies. Yesterday I went into my local pharmacy, O'Connor's, on the Curraheen Road. I rang, got an appointment and was in within 20 minutes. It was a simple job. I was in and out and gone. The flu vaccine is one of our most effective tools and weapons we can use. I encourage Members to take up that campaign.

I raise also the issue Senator Craughwell referred to this afternoon, namely, the Munster Technological University, MTU, in Cork. As members will know a technological university has been created from the institutes of technology in Cork and Tralee. The MTU is a huge success thus far, thanks to the staff and the work that has been done both in Cork and Tralee. I thank all members of staff and pay tribute in particular to those who led the change in creating the MTU. However, there is a need to have the issues mentioned by Senator Craughwell addressed. Notwithstanding those little teething issues which will always occur, there needs to be a greater consultation between management, staff and unions in the new MTU and I encourage a consistency of approach. I also encourage better and greater communication. The MTU is a success and will be a success. It behoves all of us to ensure the campuses in both County Kerry and County Cork are successful. We were present at the launch and flag-raising last week but there are issues that need to be addressed. I am confident they will be, provided there is better communication and engagement.