In the task of steering this country back on its feet; you can’t argue with the catch cry “it’s the economy stupid”. However, we must also keep at the forefront of our minds that we live in a society where the economy should be the engine rather than the end in itself. Last week, Health and Education, where effects are often first felt, featured strongly among issues raised by a range of Senators.

On Tuesday, Professor John Crown highlighted the issue of Junior Doctors and the impending chaos that may ensue in hospitals across the country after their rotation on July 9th. Ironically, as a country with one of the highest ratios of medical schools to population, we are reliant on attracting in the region of 70% of our junior doctors from abroad to meet our needs. According to Crown the existing dependence on junior doctors on the front line is contrary to their original function, namely to be trainees.

“We should regard junior doctors as having three functions – first, training; second, training; and, third, training. That is all they are there for and their presence or absence should have no effect whatsoever on the conduct of the health system’. Wishful thinking indeed.

Health Minister, Dr. James Reilly had admitted as much the previous evening on Frontline.

One of the advantages for those of us on the Government side is access to Ministers. On a weekly basis I go shopping with constituency concerns to the Ministers’ corridor . . .

Wednesday was a lesson for me when I saw firsthand how the HSE had mishandled the lack of theatre nurses at UCHG. Having brought a deputation of fine Galway surgeons before the Minister for Health, a team who cogently explained the manner in which the shortage of theatre nurses impacted on in-patient, outpatient and emergency lists while leaving theatres idle and making the hospital look poorly in the face of recent health stats, Minister Reilly simply asked the HSE official present where were the nurses. To which we all heard, mouths agog, that they would be appointed within two months! The 2.5 nurses promised under the Cancer care programme since last October along with a further 12 theatre nurses were agreed. Just like that. Minister Reilly said he would also consider a proposal for theatre trainee nurses!. Why, you would have to wonder did it take us bringing all these people together, about 15 in the room, for the HSE to do what they should have done anyway? This would drive you mad. It is the unacceptable behaviour of an organisation that had learned to operate as an independent republic under the previous government, while frustrating the genuine and caring intentions of health professionals for their patients.

I expect HSE West won’t want a repeat of this experience. And the next test, the matter of the BCG and developmental check crisis in Galway which I am assured will be resolved toute suite. I look forward to a satisfactory outcome so child health is protected early.

Patience and perseverance, as John Quincy Adams held, have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” I am practicing both.

Wednesday was busy. After two delegations with the Minister for Health and no time for a cup of coffee with my Galway guests, I had a meeting with the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton on the new Social Welfare & Pensions Bill. The new Bill, which includes the reversal of the minimum wage cut, the halving of employers’ PRSI for those earning €356 or less per week, and the raising of the pension age to 68, continues this week. I questioned the merits of raising the state pension age to 68 (we’ll be working forever!) only to learn that unless we act now, by 2050 there will be only two workers for every one person on the state pension! Currently there are six workers for every one person on the state pension. A major cultural change given the substantial increases in life expectancy.

According to a recent OECD report Education is the key to being ‘healthy, wealthy and wise’. We need to guard it jealously. The impact of a primary education and the friendship of classmates was recalled at Maree NS’s recent 50th birthday weekend. It was lovely to notice the way old photographs and artefacts were scrutinized for signs of early life. One lovely lady with evident joy ‘from the moment I went into the hall I was eight years old again’. A fitting compliment to the volunteer committee who spent endless hours collecting all the memorabilia.

The value of an education must be protected for all our children, in hard times as well. In the face of renewed controversy about cuts to SNAs (special needs assistants), I asked the Minister to relook at this model of support so we can continue to ‘protect the rights of children with special needs and learning disabilities while keeping them in mainstream classrooms.”

The weekend was a sporty one generally. The fun really started when I got to Athenry train station. A friend kindly offered to give me a lift home, only to find her car clamped. To say she would have used a bolt cutter if one was to hand is an under-statement. €120 is a hefty fee given that the pay and display machine was out of order. We look forward to the outcome of her appeal. The inordinate fee was made a little bit easier to bear by the courtesy and manners of the young man who came to declamp the car. ‘I hate my job but I can’t get a different one’, he said. What could you say to that . . .

Saturday was a potential showdown for me but really there was no need to worry. I, along with several other politicians had the pleasure of playing doubles with matching pros (thanks Alastair) in an attempt to encourage new membership at Galway Lawn Tennis Club. A novel idea during Wimbledon. Well done Mike!

Sunday saw the Simon Community ladies mini-marathon start at the Claddagh. 1200 women hit the streets of Galway in aid of homeless services. Though runners and walkers have personal goals and the pain is often unavoidable, it’s good to know the race benefited 100 homeless people in Galway, 30 of whom are women. Meanwhile, out and about across the county and despite the rain, Galway hosted a very successful Feile weekend.

Where would we be without volunteers and fundraising in Ireland.