Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I say this respectfully, but it is hard for me to answer the question if, when I use a number or statistic in answering, the Deputy just tells me I am not listening or asks me not to quote statistics at her. When she quotes statistics at me, I reply. When she asks a question, I endeavour to answer. I made the point that context is important. It is important for people in Limerick who are watching this discussion today. The impression is sometimes given that resources are not going into a hospital. This is a hospital that has more emergency department consultants than any other hospital in Ireland. That has to be acknowledged. We must have an honest debate. It is a hospital that has seen a greater increase in staffing levels than many other hospitals and which has had a massive increase in its budget. As the Deputy has acknowledged, we are also taking more measures in respect of beds and bed capacity.

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