Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Mar 1985

Vol. 107 No. 13

Business of Seanad.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

I have notice from Senator Michael D. Higgins that on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The urgent need for the Minister for Health to address the special needs of the inhabitants on the Aran Islands to health services when their regular doctor is ill or on leave, this matter having now reached crisis point due to the illness of the regular dedicated doctor, the failure of the advertisements by the Western Health Board to elicit applications for relief personnel, and the fact that there are a number of the 1,600 inhabitants quite ill and some pregnant mothers in need of special medical care.

I have also received notice from Senator Donie Cassidy of the following matter:

The serious threat posed by pig slurry pollution of Lake Derravaragh.

I regret that I have to rule that both matters are not suitable for discussion on the Adjournment on the ground of lack of ministerial responsibility.

Mr. M. Higgins

As the person responsible for the request to raise the matter of the perilous dangers to health which have arisen on the Aran Islands due to the fact that no doctor was available when their regular doctor who was on leave became very ill, I feel that the Western Health Board exhausted some of the resources available to them, perhaps all of them, in advertising for the post but got no applicants and my reason for raising it was that some special provision needed to be made. I understand that since I sought permission to raise the matter on the Adjournment, matters may have been resolved in so far as some doctor has come forward to fill the vacancy. However, it raises a question as to the commitment of the medical profession to the welfare of these people.

An Leas-Chathaoirleach

Senator, I have allowed you to go on for quite some time. I understand the Senator's deep concern about the people of the island but we cannot deal with the motion because under section 58 of the Health Act, 1970 it is the responsibility of the health boards concerned.

Mr. M. Higgins

I am grateful to the Leas-Chathaoirleach for facilitating my explanation as to why I raised the matter. I will arrange to pursue the Minister elsewhere.