Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Before I call Senator Michael D'Arcy, I understand that Senator Crown is seeking the suspension of Standing Orders for today's sitting.

John Crown (Independent)
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I move: "That Standing Orders for today's sitting be suspended."

I apologise to the Minister again for the interruption. I welcome the Leader of the House, Senator Maurice Cummins, back to the Chamber. I would like to propose the suspension of Standing Orders under Standing Order 159 in order that we can deal with an urgent matter that has arisen, namely, the issuing of a directive that will bring about the immediate suspension of all obesity surgery at the national centre. This directive has been issued without any explanation being given.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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That satisfies Standing Order 159. Is the Leader opposing the motion?

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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I am opposing the motion.

John Crown (Independent)
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I would like to ask for a vote on that.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator can make a statement first.

John Crown (Independent)
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I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Leader. Everyone recognises that obesity is clearly the second leading cause, after smoking, of preventable premature death and ill health in this country. It is also a colossal drain on the Exchequer. This subject should be of interest to the Minister, Deputy Coveney. It has been shown that in extreme cases where conservative measures do not work, this life-saving surgery adds years to the lives of people who have dangerous levels of morbid obesity. The saved health costs associated with looking after people whose diabetes has been prevented or ameliorated - I refer to the avoidance of heart attacks, chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease and gangrenous legs, etc. - mean that this form of surgery repays all of the costs associated with it within three years.

In the history of bad and stupid decisions, this must be the worst and most stupid decision I have ever heard of. The national centre that does most of this surgery in the country was finally opened in October as part of the Minister's much-trumpeted reorganisation of hospital services into groups. Within a few months of the opening of the centre at St. Vincent's Hospital, having moved from St. Colmcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown, a memorandum has been sent by e-mail this week from the administration of the hospital to the surgeon in charge, giving no excuse for the decision to suspend the service immediately other than to say that sufficient money is not available to retain it. Those costs will now be found mounting in kidney dialysis, heart attack and other units. This outrageous decision needs to be dealt with urgently.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Is there a seconder for the motion?

Feargal Quinn (Independent)
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I am happy to second the motion.

Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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Does the Leader have anything to add?

Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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No. Given that the matter was covered in this morning's newspapers, it could have been raised on the Order of Business. The Senator can attempt to raise it as an Adjournment motion tomorrow if he wishes. Therefore, I am not proposing to suspend Standing Orders.

John Crown (Independent)
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In view of the extreme gravity and life-threatening nature of this matter, under Standing Order 62(3)(b), I request that the division be taken again other than by electronic means. Members need to look into their consciences and ignore the Whips on this.

Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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Senators van Turnhout and Mac Conghail control the balance in this division as well.

Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)
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We are responsible for our own votes.