Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Kelleher raised an issue which has also come to my attention. In University Hospital Waterford, there were no pillows or blankets available to people on trolleys. Although the numbers of people on trolleys has decreased today, it is not good enough. If we accept that there are people on trolleys trying to access beds, at least the very basics should be provided for them. I would like to know what resources are being made available to ensure it does not happen again. I welcome the Minister's comment that long after this drops off the front pages of newspapers he will remain committed to dealing with it. He will find that health is broad ranging and interconnected. While we may talk about home care on one day and access to speech and language or occupational therapy another day, it is all interconnected in terms of how we keep people well and at home, away from the emergency departments. I wish the Minister well. The committee is always anxious to see leadership being given and results being delivered. Could the Minister respond to the additional questions?