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Seanad
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Roscommon hospital emergency department

Summary

The argument escalates over whether the hospital’s emergency department closure led to deaths and whether a child’s €100 bill should be pursued. The Chair repeatedly intervenes over naming individuals and excessive repetition.

Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

All the Senator is doing is prolonging the debate.

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

This is not a council chamber. It is the Seanad.

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It is not nonsense when a two-year-old child had to be brought to Portiuncula Hospital when the situation was very serious. She has received a bill from Intrum Justitia for €100. The family earns €400 per week. The company has been directed by the HSE and seems to be chaired by a Swedish individual called Lars Lundquist, while other individuals on the board of directors include Ulrika Valassi, Synnöve Trygg and Karolina Sandahl. The headquarters-----

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

It is not fair to name individuals. The Senator has been here a long time. He should not mention names.

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I am going to name them because I believe they should be named.

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

I will not allow the Senator to name them. I ask him to respect the Chair. I have given him a good deal of latitude.

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I have a few more names, but I will not give them out of respect for the Chair.

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

Please do not name them. The Senator is bringing the Chamber into disrepute.

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This company has been assigned to pursue a two-year-old child for €100, which is bloody outrageous. It is about time the Minister for Health took control of the health service. He should not allow these bureaucrats to engage an international company to collect €100. The bill was sent to the child, but she cannot pay it.

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

The Senator's point has been well made.

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I am telling my constituents not to pay it in the circumstances because a child aged two years is not liable for a bill of €100. It is outrageous. Senator Frank Feighan can be very proud that the emergency department in Roscommon University Hospital is closed. It is a bloody shame and he voted to close it.

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