Willie O'Dea

-----nevertheless, the former's reasons for not using the NTMA were contradictory.

Some 17 months have elapsed since HIQA was tasked with the objective of looking at the totally inadequate accident and emergency services in the mid-west, particularly in Limerick University Hospital, and making recommendations on what should be done. They informed us at the time that they would take a year to report, which we did not agree with but had to accept. Some 17 months have now elapsed. …

I had some queries on the technical aspects of the transitional sections of the Bill, but time does not allow me to go into them; four minutes is a very short time to debate a Bill such as this. However, on the general thrust of the Bill, there cannot be any serious objection to the notion, if we are trying to expedite the housing programme, that we try to save extant planning permissions. The po…

Last year, the Garda Commissioner finally gave his seal of approval to the provision of a new Garda station in the very heavily populated suburbs of Castletroy, Monaleen and Annacotty in Limerick city. I understand that the Government has set aside capital funding and approved capital funding for the project. Unfortunately, the task of identifying a site has been given to the Office of Public Work…

St. Munchin's College, Corbally, Limerick city, is accommodating two autism special needs classes at present in one classroom, which is completely and totally unacceptable. It has made an application to the Department of education under the ASA scheme for refurbishment funding, which would solve the problem and would, in fact, enable it to accommodate more autistic students in the years ahead, for…

Research commissioned by Limerick Chamber of Commerce revealed that of the houses purchased in the State over the past two years, 40% were purchased either by approved housing bodies or other entities supported by the State. Contrary to what we hear from some on the other side of the House, that represents substantial public investment in the private housing sector, which is to be welcomed. Howeve…

Has the Minister for Health received the interim report from HIQA on accident and emergency facilities in the mid-west? Does the Minister expect the final report to be published next month as promised? Is the Government committed to implementing the recommendations of the final report?

I congratulate the new Minister of State, the Ceann Comhairle and the Leas-Cheann Comhairle on their new positions. I wish them well. It is self-evident that with the rapidly increasing population, more gardaí are needed. I am very glad that the Government has taken very positive steps in that regard. Figures from Templemore indicate that it will probably be successful in its attempt to recruit 5…

There is no clear commitment in the programme for Government to continue the tenant in situ scheme. This is a very good scheme. It has saved many people from homelessness. Unfortunately, I am personally acquainted with a large number of people who will be homeless unless this scheme is restored immediately. Landlords have agreed to sell their houses to the local authorities but because of the dela…