The Tánaiste is aware of the huge concern about the possible ending of 24 hour accident and emergency services in a number of hospitals. In the south east, and particularly in Waterford, there is huge concern among the public and clinicians-----

This matter will be dealt with during Topical Issues today by a Member from the Deputy's own party.

I want to ask about specific reports. Every other person is given the space to make introductory comments.

No, they are not.

That was a very lengthy exchange between the Tánaiste and Deputy Martin.

Deputy McDonald is gazumping another Member.

I am gazumping nobody.

I am trying to be helpful. The issue you are speaking about is a topical issue for today and permission to raise it was granted to Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Féin spokesperson on health. I am just putting you on notice.

That is fine. The matter will be dealt with then. Could you allow me to utter three paragraphs without constant-----

Are you asking about legislation, Deputy?

No, it is about reports.

This is the Order of Business.

There has to be a level of even-handedness in terms of how Members are dealt with.

There is.

I will look at the transcripts and we will have a chat about it then.

She is trying to steal Caoimhghín's thunder.

They are undermining Caoimhghín again.

When will the report on the framework for the development of smaller hospitals be published and when will the report by Professor John R. Higgins on the composition and number of the new hospital groups be published? Those are my questions. Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle.

Did Caoimhghín give her the script?

Who gives Deputy Kehoe his script?

The Minister of State gives it to him.

Clearly not; there is no script.

The Higgins report has yet to be received by the Minister for Health. A consultation process was undertaken and various meetings took place in that regard. The report will go to the Minister for Health and will be considered by the Government when it is presented by the Minister for Health.

Work has been under way on the framework for smaller hospitals. All of this has to be seen in the context of the reform of the health system by the Government which is under way, and the move to universal health insurance and a single tier system of health service which is the reform the Government is pursuing.