Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The O'Briens are also connected with Killaloe. It would be most appropriate if we were to consider meeting at a location outside the city of Dublin to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary. I request that the Leader write to the Taoiseach to see if the Cabinet would be willing to hold one of its meetings in County Clare to coincide with the celebrations which are taking place. I commend all those involved in Clontarf, Cashel and Killaloe who have put such an effort into commemorating this important part of our history.

I wish to raise another issue. I am extremely concerned that there has been an 18% rise in the number of patients on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle. The mayor of County Clare recently found himself on a trolley for over 24 hours. It is totally unacceptable that there has been such a dramatic increase. Nurses in Dooradoyle have advised us that the position in the hospital is chaotic and that they are barely able to do their jobs. This cannot be allowed to continue. At the time of the Hanley report there was a reconfiguration of hospitals, including Ennis and Nenagh, when the 24 hour consultant-led accident and emergency units were closed at night and assurances were given that a first class service would be provided at Dooradoyle. Staff at the hospital are providing a first class service but the problem is now overcrowding.

It is incumbent on the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, to take control of the situation, because it has reached crisis point. The direct intervention of the Minister for Health is required to resolve the issue in order to give confidence to the people of Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and other counties who rely on this service at a crucial time in their lives.