asked the Minister for Health the health services suspended or curtailed as a result of the Government's budget in July.

I am not aware that any health services have been suspended or curtailed as a result of the Government's July budget.

I am surprised the Minister is not aware of this because I have been receiving letters from many people on this subject. Is she not aware that the embargo placed on filling posts from 21 July has had a severe effect on the health services? One of the Barrett Cheshire homes has not been allowed to replace nurses to look after disabled people. Is it true that medical cards are currently being withdrawn, that staff are not being replaced, that the home help service is under considerable strain and that the situation is coming close to crisis stage? I would like the Minister to confirm if this is happening.

I received no indication that curtailments of the nature mentioned by the Deputy are taking place.

I will pass to the Minister any information I have and I am sure the chief executive officers will also get in touch with her. She must be aware that there is an embargo on employment. Because the total number employed in a Department is very large this will have a considerable impact. Would she consider exempting replacement staff who look after the disabled? I have been told there are jobs available for the disabled but because of the embargo these people cannot get employment.

I would be grateful if the Deputy would pass on any information on these matters and I will have them fully investigated. As far as the disabled are concerned, I have already taken action in this area and I hope it will be successful.