In the context of the delivery of medical and nursing services and the pending legislation on universal health insurance, it is alarming that young GPs and trainee nurses are under such pressure at present.

To what Bill is the Deputy referring?

This morning the case of a trainee nurse who worked ten weeks without a day off was referred to on radio.

That matter is not relevant to the Order of Business.

It is relevant to the health and well-being of people in this country.

The Deputy should either table a parliamentary question in respect of this matter or raise it as a Topical Issue.

Crisis point has been reached in respect of the pay of and hours worked by young trainee nurses.

We cannot discuss this matter on the Order of Business. Is there a Bill in respect of this matter?

No. The case to which the Deputy refers is one for the management in the relevant hospital to deal with. The approvals relating to re-rostering under the Haddington Road agreement should apply.

What was described on radio earlier is prevalent throughout the system. These people are double-jobbing and, as a result of tiredness, they are sometimes not in a position to notice if patients' health is deteriorating.

The Deputy received a reply. He should please resume his seat.