As Dáil Éireann debates whether to sell off the State’s remaining share in Aer Lingus, I cannot but smile to myself and think of the late Seamus Brennan, who caused much of the difficulty which the Government now has in disposing of its holding in the company.
Rehab Unit positive development for Roscommon
The announcement that approval has been granted for a new 25 bed rehabilitation unit at Roscommon County Hospital is a very welcome development and will be of significant benefit to people recovering from serious injury and stroke throughout the midlands & west of Ireland. It is also a welcome boost towards the long term security of Roscommon Hospital as a …
How urgent is an “urgent” hospital appointment?
Today, I had a call from a constituent that is on the “urgent” orthopaedic waiting list in Galway. This woman has just been told that the URGENT waiting list is 12 months long. Yes, months! She is waiting to see the consultant in order to be put on a waiting list for surgery. In other words, she is on a …
The waiting list, to get on the waiting list, reality!
Nearly 500 people waiting up to two years for a Roscommon appointment. Received the letter below in response to a representation last week. All of these people are anxious to have their situation assessed by the Consultant. And some are in pain & serious discomfort! 40% of these cases have been prioritised as requiring immediate assessment, but with just one …
Monksland Broadband Update
Last week I received the following update from Eircom regarding the roll out of high speed broadband to the Monksland area- There are several cabinets in this area, and not all work is completed which is not helping with the confusion. The snapshot below of Google Earth also includes the locations of our cabinets (green roadside cabinets which we use …
Williamstown Water Update
I’ve been informed by Irish Water that they have now decided to proceed with a temporary upgrade of the water supply, which will allow the boil water notice to be lifted. Irish Water have ordered a new treatment system which will be delivered in July/August, which will allow the boil water notice to be lifted in approximately 12 weeks from …
BT Young Scientist exhibition
Yesterday, I visited the BT Young Scientist exhibition in Dublin. It was great to experience the buzz around the RDS. There were some 40 projects from local pupils, all extremely interesting. I had the opportunity to speak directly with those involved in 17 of these projects. (Others were either tied up with judges or had popped away from their stand …
Update on upgrade of Roscommon water supplies
Attached is the latest (revised again!) dates from Irish Water on upgrading of water schemes in County Roscommon. Roscommon RWSS Project Status December 2014 On the boil water issue Irish Water now expect that the boil water notices to be lifted on all schemes by the end of March 2015 except for South Roscommon which is now facing a further …
Reform of child benefit can deliver for future generations
n the Dail yesterday I raised the urgent need to reform the way we pay child benefit in this Country.
Since children returned to school in September the Department of Social Protection has recommenced its policy of issuing 600,000 letters to parents to see if their child is in school or in the country; replicating a process that is already carried out by the National Education Welfare Board on behalf of the Department of Children & Youth Affairs.
Our health services, where to from here?
But let’s get two things clear:
1. HIQA did NOT say that Roscommon A&E had to be closed but instead said that at the time it could not remain open in its current guise where every patient, regardless of complexity, was presented at the door.