Supplementary estimate for health service ruled out

The Minister for Health firmly ruled out the introduction of a supplementary estimate to deal with the problems in the health services.

"I have already said there will be no supplementary estimate this year," said Ms Harney, responding to opposition demands for action to deal with the crisis in the accident and emergency departments of hospitals.

The Labour spokeswoman on health, Ms Liz McManus, had noted that Ms Harney had announced that she intended to bring in measures to deal with the crisis.

She asked if Ms Harney agreed with the Taoiseach, who had ruled out a supplementary estimate, and if she accepted "there will be no additional money this year to pay for the measures she is promising to people who are under pressure and whose relatives are lying on trolleys".

Mr Fergus O'Dowd (FG, Louth) claimed that five plans had already been announced.

Replying to the Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, the Minister said that the Nursing Bill would be published next year, but legislation was not needed to recruit more nurses.

"As I have said in this House on many occasions in the past two weeks, we have more nurses per capita than any other country in the developed world," she added.

"Not in our accident and emergency departments," said Ms McManus. Ms Harney replied: "Yes, we have more nurses than anywhere in the world."

Mr Joe Higgins (Socialist Party, Dublin West) urged the Minister to "legislate for comprehensive health services for all and rescue us from the obscene spectacle of health insurers jockeying for position".

He added: "Does the Tánaiste's Boston vision mean that vulnerable people and the sick are called a 'market' and healthcare is called a 'product' to be flogged for profit?"

On issues related to the Department of Health, Mr Dan Boyle (Green Party, Cork South Central) claimed that the Adoption Bill had been put on a very long finger.

"The recent Cabinet reshuffle should not have affected it, because the previous minister of state continues to have responsibility for this area," he said.

Ms Harney said the Minister of State in question, Mr Brian Lenihan, was handling the matter. "I have already discussed it with him, and it is a priority for him," she said.

Voices in the House

The Minister for Justice promised legislation on fireworks and explosives which is very timely as Hallowe'en approaches.

- Mr Richard Bruton (FG)

The announcements of the Minister cause upset sometimes. People are very sensitive to them. I am not aware of any particular legislation on fireworks.

- The Tánaiste, Ms Harney

An explosive situation is promised.

- Mr Bernard Durkan (FG)

I hope he will not have to use fireworks in Roscommon to get rid of his house.

- Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte