I wish to seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the extraordinarily remiss action of the Government in not availing of the exemption from water charges under Article 9(4) of the EU water framework directive, with the result that schools, hospitals and farms around the country are being forced to pay exorbitant charges. Why is the Government ignoring this exemption from these crippling but avoidable charges? The EU has left this matter to the discretion of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government so the Government is solely responsible for what is just another stealth tax, placing a huge burden on already overstretched and underfunded schools, hospitals and farms.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 32.
I wish to seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the urgent need for the Government to end confusion among Ministers and within the Health Service Executive, HSE, on whether a regional hospital will be provided for the HSE north-east area. What will be the location of any such regional hospital, with the aim of serving all the people of the area? Will funding be provided for such an essential service in light of the revelation by the Minister for Foreign Affairs that not a red cent is in the coffers for a regional hospital? Will essential services continue to be withdrawn in light of the revelation that no regional hospital will be provided for at least 20 years? The need for clarity on health care services available to people in the HSE north-east area is urgent.
As the Ceann Comhairle and I are back on speaking terms, I hope he can provide some time for this important debate.
We were always on speaking terms.
Sometimes we were on shouting terms.
Having given the matters raised full consideration, I do not consider them to be in order under Standing Order 32.