SEANAD REPORT:LABOUR'S JAMES Heffernan hit out at criticism by the Minister for Health of the strike action by nurses at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick.
James Reilly should go to the hospital, speak to the nurses and management and come up with a solution instead of using throwaway remarks and dismissing the action, he said.
Acting Fianna Fáil leader Marc MacSharry had earlier made an unsuccessful attempt to require Dr Reilly’s attendance to facilitate an emergency debate in the light of what he regarded as a plethora of negative news stories about the health service.
The Minister’s response showed that the Government was on a type of auto-pilot which would run it into the ground for neglecting the medical care of people.
Catherine Noone (FG) agreed with Mr MacSharry about the need for the Minister to come to the House. The HSE was “a basket case” and something would have to be done.
Michael Mullins (FG) said it was very disturbing to read about the level of absenteeism in HSE West. He thought there was the makings of an inquiry there.
Averil Power (FF) said the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs should make representations about the 15-year jail sentences imposed by military courts in Bahrain on medical personnel, some of whom were Irish-trained.
