Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I raise a real issue facing real workers. As the INMO conference gets under way this week, over 700 patients are waiting on trolleys. It is an outrageous figure, but one that has somehow become the new normal under this Government. To still have over 700 patients waiting for beds in May, well past the peak of respiratory illnesses, is indicative of a year-round trolley crisis. Our overcrowded healthcare service has become unsuitable for both patients and workers. We hear harrowing stories from the INMO and from individuals on the front line, who feel they cannot provide adequate care in the circumstances. All workers deserve to work in a safe environment where they are supported to deliver the highest standard of care. It is no wonder we are seeing retention and recruitment crises across the healthcare service, given the sort of issues and conditions that are under way. The INMO has consistently raised overcrowding. Will the Taoiseach act now to ensure safe staffing levels across our healthcare services and to address the concerns raised by the INMO?

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