Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The extrapolation used has been looked at by the Department and it has pointed out that there is a wide variety of views around the world on what the right figures are. Nonetheless, we are all aware that the longer waits in emergency departments come with a patient safety risk attached. It is an ongoing conversation I am having with the Department and I have had that conversation with the Chief Medical Officer as well. Ultimately, the aim is to reduce, insofar as is possible, the pressures through the winter to make sure people get the access they need and deserve.

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