John Dolan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I should have acknowledged at the very start that a number of significant things have happened over the past year. I am very pleased with my answer to the first question. I have not received a substantial answer to the question about the extent or estimates of need which has not been met. I have information about what is being done, and that is fine, but I have not received a response to my question, which is quite worrying. I want to put that on the record.

On the issue of section 38 and 39 hospitals, I am delighted that the Minister of State has been speaking to the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe. I specifically asked if the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been in contact with the Department of Health on this issue. I also asked about the pressing areas that need to be moved on. The answer laid out eight, nine or ten areas that are the headings in the disability strategy implementation plan. I asked the Department whether, if a handful of these items were moved to other Departments, it would rightly take pressure off the Department of Health and have resources directed to where they should be.