National fund for sick children
Denis Naughten seeks support for a national fund enabling seriously ill children to leave hospital, including at Christmas; the Tánaiste points to progress on the national paediatric hospital Bill but gives no publication date.
The Leas-Cheann Comhairle might not be wanted in some parts but we would be happy to have him in my constituency come the next general election.
There is nothing worse than having a child in hospital for Christmas, particularly if it may be his or her last Christmas. Some 12 months ago I, with the support of both the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation and LauraLynn House, put a proposal to the Department of Health that would save money but, more importantly, that would allow children to leave hospital for Christmas by establishing a national fund for sick children. In that context, and in the context of promised legislation, the national paediatric hospital development board (amendment) Bill, is there any chance we can have real action on this, ensure these children get home for Christmas and release beds for children who are waiting to get into our paediatric hospitals?
