Crutches and zimmer-frames, essential in aiding our mobility following an accident or illness, have for years now, found long-term retirement homes in attics across the length and breadth of the country. The HSE’s no-returns policy when it comes to crutches and zimmer frames has meant that once patients were finished with such items, they had no further use – until now that is.

Recently, the Jack and Jill Foundation have been retained by the HSE to collect all these abandoned, old, dust-catching crutches and zimmer frames to be recycled to the benefit of the Jack & Jill Foundation

There could be one million crutches out there in Irish homes just taking up space; environmental hazard, waste of money. These old crutches will help support Jack & Jill families up and down the country. So this is win win for everyone and good opportunity to remind people to keep sending in their old mobiles too

Speaking on the order of Business Thursday, 19 July 2012: I ask the Leader of the House to devote time today to debate another matter raised by Senator Norris, namely the tragic death of Ms Elaine Curley, who was only 19 years old. She was 15 minutes away from Roscommon Hospital when she was involved in a car crash on the Galway-Roscommon border. Due to the closure of the accident and emergency department in Roscommon Hospital, she died. She is the first real, declared tragedy of the decision by the Government of Deputies James Reilly and Enda Kenny, who gave commitments and promises to the people of Roscommon that the accident and emergency department in Roscommon would be retained. They misled the people. This young girl is a victim of the policies of the Fine Gael, Labour Government.

Angry scenes erupt in Seanad in debate over Roscommon death
http://www.shannonside.ie/news-details.php?nid=12886

HSE defends two-hour tragic ambulance trip
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/hse-defends-twohour-tragic-ambulance-trip-3174221.html

On 5th July 1977, the 21st Dail met for the first time. 35 years ago this week. The say a week is a long time in politics, well 35 years have passed since I first walked through the gates of Leinster house as an elected representative. I was asked this week of my memories of the day - I remember it as if it was only last week. Its interesting
* An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and myself are the only 2 remaining TDs elected in 1977 that are elected members of the current Oireachtas
* It was 54 years since Roscommon had elected a Roscommon Town Fianna Fail TD to Leinster House

 About this election:  

My first general election campaign. The Irish general election of 1977 was held on 16 June 1977 and is regarded as a pivotal point in twentieth century Irish politics. 
Quota = 8,892
Name                     1st Pref  Share of Vote 
 Joan T Burke (FG) 7,862    0.22 
Terry Leyden (FF) 6,563    0.18 
 Sean Doherty (FF) 5,968    0.17