Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy O'Reilly asked about policy. Policy is set by me, not by lawyers or anybody else. Let me be very clear that it is not the policy of the Irish health service - in any way, shape or form - to interact with patients in the manner suggested by the memo. Not only is that not the case, it is also not the case that front-line staff would or should ever find themselves in that position. I described this as utterly offensive and unacceptable. I did not just do that in public yesterday when the memo came into the public domain. I did it on 27 October, the day I was made aware of this by a nurse, in a communication on my behalf to officials, who communicated to the HSE. I was assured that the memo had been rescinded from circulation the following day. In fairness to the people with whom I work within the HSE, I do not believe it is in any way a fair refection on their commitment to, or how they view, patients. Yesterday was a bad day for the health service in that regard, but this is not the policy of the health service or the HSE. This was a legal memorandum referring to some very specific and rare situations. Let me provide assurance today to patients, to their families and to staff members in this regard.

I shall also pick up on the very important point that was made with regard to delayed discharges. We must all focus on reducing the length of time that people find themselves having to stay in hospitals. When I travel around hospitals it is clear that generally people do not want to be there any longer than they have to be. When one considers the metrics on delayed discharges, it is worth noting that on 13 September there were 643 people who found themselves in Irish hospitals, who were medically fit to go home but had nowhere to go. As of yesterday that number has been reduced to 538 as a result of winter initiative funding, extra home care packages and extra transitional care beds. That is where all our focus has to be. I welcome the clarification provided by the HSE and the apology offered by the director general this morning. I need everybody's attention and focus to now be back on reducing delayed discharges and providing the best service possible.

It is important and appropriate to raise this issue because it caused serious concerns.