I have received notice from Senator Maurice Cummins that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health and Children to outline the progress on the reconfiguration of hospital services in the south east; and the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the clinical leader of the reconfigured group.
I have also received notice from Senator Paudie Coffey of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health and Children to outline the planned levels of investment proposed for Waterford Regional Hospital to secure services in the areas of cardiology, cancer care, palliative care and accident and emergency.
I have also received notice from Senator Liam Twomey of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health and Children to make a statement on the reason St. Vincent's Hospital is refusing to accept public patients from County Wexford and the reason some patients are required to travel to Cork to receive specialist services.
I have also received notice from Senator Fidelma Healy Eames of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Social Protection, in his proposal to means-test the State contributory pension, to clarify if he is proposing to deprive people of something for which they have already paid for over 40 years, or more in some cases, which is, in itself, subject to levies.
I have also received notice from Senator Jerry Buttimer of the following matter:
The need for the Minster for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to outline the Government plans to tackle the growing number of heroin users.
I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Cummins, Coffey and Twomey and they will be taken at the conclusion of business. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.