Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been branded a “disgrace” in the Dail today over poor standards of care in Galway Hospital writes Daniel McConnell, Political Editor.
During Leaders’ Questions, Independent TD Catherine Connolly severely rebuked Mr Kenny over the chronic lack of facilities at University Hospital, Galway and what she called the “warehousing” of patients on trollies.
She was critical over Mr Kenny’s decision to attend a private hospital nearby while not attending the state funded hospital, which she said was supposed to be a centre of excellence.
“You are a disgrace, please don’t waffle or give me any of your bland rhetoric Taoiseach,” she said in the Dail.
Ms Connolly referred to comments from a clinical director who said the hospital is “not fit for purpose”.
In response, Mr Kenny said the fact that more than 400 people were waiting on trollies in hospitals across the country was “unacceptable”.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fail leader severely criticised the performance of Transport Minister Shane Ross, saying the minister’s criticisms of the judicary were “unacceptable”.
“He is utilising his position as a Minister to undermine and attack the judicial pillar in a politically populist way. In short, he does not have respect for the judicial pillar which is so central to our democracy,” he said.
Mr Martin called on the Taoiseach to speak to Mr Ross and remind him of his collective Cabinet responsibility.
Mr Kenny in response said “The comments of the Minister, Deputy Ross, in respect of judges and the oath they carry were personal and do not reflect the view of the Government. I spoke to him about that.”
Meanwhile, the Cabinet approved a number of promotions in An Garda Siochana following controversy over vaccancies in senior management roles.
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald secured the approval of the Cabinet to appoint officers to the positions of Assistant Commissioner, Chief Superintendent and Superintendent.
The Government has been under fire for leaving the force under-resourced until after responsibility for appointments passes to the new Policing Authority at the end of the year.
In total one new Assistant Commissioner has been appointed, three Chief Superintendents and seven Superintendents.
The appointments are required to fill existing vacancies at National, Divisional and District level.
Speaking after today’s Cabinet meeting the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald said: “Since September there have been a number of mainly voluntary retirements from the senior ranks of An Garda Síochána.
“The Government is determined that there is no undue delay filling critical Garda vacancies and is determined to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a leadership team that can address the serious challenges it faces every day in maintaining law and order.”
The Tánaiste said the move followed consultation with Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan.
“These appointments are within the agreed strength of the Employment Control Framework and the Policing Authority has been consulted on them.”
Ms Fitzgerald added that she is “absolutely committed” to the Policing Authority taking over responsibility for appointments from December 31.
“The establishment of the Policing Authority represents one of the most significant and progressive reforms to the sector over recent years,” she said.
