Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make another comment before the Minister leaves the discussion on the acute hospital sector. The Minister asked why some hospitals are performing better than others. Apart from some hospitals having a greater catchment population than others, there are numerous other issues. Some hospitals have senior decision-makers on the floor on a 24-7 basis. It is vital that hospitals have 24-7 senior decision-makers. Junior doctors do not have the experience or capacity to make the important decisions about admitting or discharging. That is critical.