Cuisle and amendment pressed
The Leader returned to Cuisle and the University Hospital Limerick issue, then formally repeated the amendment to the Order of Business. Senator Craughwell confirmed that he was pressing it.
It has become Senator Humphreys election mantra now. It is important that we have accuracy in the context of Dublin City Council's budgeting and on the issue of Irish Water, and Senators should be informed of that. Equally, Senator Humphreys should recognise that Garda numbers have increased, not decreased. As Senator Craughwell said, there is an election coming up. I will say nothing more.
Senators Mullen and Ó Domhnaill raised the important issue of Cuisle, the Irish Wheelchair Association and a presentation that was made to a joint committee last week. Many Senators have raised this matter. I do not have an update in respect of it.
Senator Mullen referred to the National Platform of Self Advocates. Perhaps he should raise this as a Commencement matter in order that he might get a more expeditious answer. I do not have any information on the matter but it is important that we increase participation and recognise the importance of advocacy. If the Senator has not chosen to table a Commencement matter, I would be happy to arrange for the Minister to come to the House to discuss the issue in due course.
Comment on this
Senator O'Donnell referred to overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. Clearly, there needs to be an increase in supply. I hope the provision of an MRI scanner will improve the position. I will be controversial about this in that I believe there is a game going on in our health system regarding the provision of trolleys in emergency departments about. We need to have an honest debate about this. I have said that previously in the House and I will not shrink away from saying it again. There is a game going on between vested interests in our health system. The person who often loses out is the patient. I hope that the House will have an honest debate about the health system prior to Christmas.
Comment on this
Senator Craughwell has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 4 be taken before No. 3 at 4.45 p.m. and that No. 3 be taken on the adjournment of No. 4." Is the amendment being pressed?