5th June 2000
A few months ago I organised an adjournment debate on the serious problems regarding the NCHD's working conditions and pay. The then Minister for Health replied and his reply showed so little understanding of the problems that those leaders of the NCHDs who were in the public gallery nearly tore their collective hair out in pain.
On the day of the deferred strike I raised the issue again. The following exchange took place. I reproduce it to show how very difficult it is to get this issue taken seriously or addressed.
"ORDER OF BUSINESS
17.5.2000
Dr. Henry: For years I have raised the issue of the medical staffing of hospitals. It is a miracle that hospitals are running today but I assure Senators that the strike has only been deferred; we have not reached a satisfactory conclusion. The Tierney report on medical staffing was published five years ago but no action was taken. A medical manpower committee sat two years ago but there was still no action. We will be in a dire situation by July when there will be fresh problems regarding hospital staffing, particularly out-side major centres, by non-EU doctors who are finding it very difficult to obtain registration. Will the Leader give some sense of urgency to this issue and arrange a debate? The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, has not been in his position very long but I have received petitions from neurologists and urologists and regarding industrial health medicine. The situation is no longer funny. Waiting lists exist because there are no doctors to treat people. I will be guided by what you say, a Chathaoirligh, but July is very near and no notice is being taken of what is happening in hospitals. The strike has been settled because people have been paid money. owed to them since 1997. This is ridiculous and nothing has happened as regards the future. "
The Leader, Senator Donie Cassidy, replied to all issues raised by senators, except mine.
"Dr. Henry: The Leader did not answer my question about the staffing of the hospitals. It is a most urgent matter.
Mr. Cassidy: I am sure the Senator and the House will congratulate the Minister for his hard work and endeavours, and everyone who played a part in having today’s strike called off.
Dr. Henry: The Minister did not involve himself directly with it.
An Cathaoirleach: Order. Senator Henry has already spoken on the Order of Business.
Dr. Henry: On a point of information, the Minister made sure not to involve himself directly.
Mr. Cassidy: I am sure Senator Henry will congratulate the Government for a record-breaking allocation of funds in the past two budgets.
Dr. Henry: I am astonished. I certainly will not congratulate the Government.
An Cathaoirleach: Order, please.
Dr. Henry: It is the worst situation there has been in the health service for a decade.
An Cathaoirleach: May we have order for the Leader’s reply, please?
Dr. Henry: It is astonishing to suggest it.
Mr. Cassidy: I do not know what is happening where the Senator lives. I only know what is happening where I live. In Mullingar we have the most modern hospital in Ireland and I am proud of it.
Dr. Henry: I know what is happening where I work.
Mr. Cassidy: I am proud to say that I am a member of the Midland Health Board which provided that hospital. Morning, noon and night I listen to negative contributions in this Chamber, but it is about time somebody stood up and let the people know what is really happening. The hospital in Mullingar is second to none. I invite the Senator to visit this modern service in the midlands. We in the midlands are entitled to a service which is the same as that available every-where else.
Mr. Costello: Let us have a debate on it.
Dr. Henry: On a point of information, I am sure that Mullingar hospital -
An Cathaoirleach: Senator Henry, this is not in order. The Leader has replied. I am sure the Senator can find another way to raise this matter.
Dr. Henry: He has not replied to me, a Chathaoirligh. I asked whether the Minister might come to the House and I got an expression of congratulations about what the Minister has done for Mullingar hospital.
An Cathaoirleach: I have no control over the Leader’s reply.
Mr. O’Toole: On a point of order, with all due respect, I know the Leader may be trying to impress the deputy leader of his party." (Minister Mary O'Rourke was waiting to speak). "The reply of the Leader of the House is not a party political broadcast for the Government but that is what it is becoming.
An Cathaoirleach: Senator O’Toole -.
Mr. O’Toole: But it is creating a problem.
An Cathaoirleach: - I am not going to allow a debate on the Leader’s reply. It is completely without precedent.
Order of Business agreed to."
Having consulted with NCHD colleagues I was able to ask on the Order of Business the next day:
"ORDER OF BUSINESS
18 May, 2000
Dr. Henry: Does the Leader of the House think it acceptable that in Mullingar Hospital SHOs are working 96 hours one week, 45 hours the next and 78 hours the next, which is more than the 65 hours the former Commissioner Padraig Flynn recommended in the Working Time Directive, that there is no gynaecological registrar to take a job in July, that there is one anaesthetic -
An Cathaoirleach: Senator Henry -
Dr. Henry: I want to be around for the opening of the Cassidy Wing.
An Cathaoirleach: We cannot have a debate on the health services on the Order of Business. It is in order for Senator Henry to seek a debate at a future date on the health services.
Dr. Henry: I have been asking for a debate on the health services for so long that I have given up."
BUT I HAVEN'T REALLY!
Senator Mary Henry, MD
