I have notice from Senator Nuala Fennell that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:
The serious implications involved in the decision to end direct availability for GPs of free testing of specimens for sexually transmitted disease at St. James' Hospital, which has been available since 1971.
I also received notice from Senator John Connor of the following matters:
1. To ask the Minister for Education the present position regarding the construction of a new primary school at Frenchpark, County Roscommon, and
2. To ask the Minister for Health if he will reject the proposal of the Western Health Board to reduce the size and range of services at the County Hospital in Roscommon.
I also received notice from Senator Brian O'Shea of the following matter:
To ask the Minister for Transport to outline his proposals in relation to the provision of capital grants for the development of Waterford Airport.
I regard the matter raised by Senator Connor in relation to the construction of a new primary school at Frenchpark, County Roscommon, and the matter raised by Senator Brian O'Shea in relation to the provision of capital grants for Waterford Airport as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected Senator Connor's motion and it will be taken at the conclusion of business.
I regret I have to disallow the matter raised by Senator Fennell in relation to free testing of specimens at St. James' Hospital and the matter raised by Senator Connor in relation to the reduction of the size and range of services at the County Hospital, Roscommon, as they are repetitious of last night's debate on the Adjournment. In that debate the Minister of State stated that "I do not think it appropriate that I should comment on any individual hospital until such time as the review group has completed its task and reported to the Minister".
I hope Senators Connor and Fennell will accept my ruling on this. If they are still concerned or not happy with the situation I will talk to them later.