Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I see. Ms Dunnion has clarified that for me and that is good.

HIQA uses a themed approach and examines the position in a hospital in respect of, for example, infection. It is quite clear that it is impossible to control infection if that hospital is bursting at the seams. It is difficult for me to take that - not HIQA but the theme of looking at infection - seriously when there are patients on trolleys and packed wards and HIQA has identified problems in theatre in the context of the disposal of syringes, etc. I understand the difficulties. The staff are under enormous pressure. It is difficult for me to take the concept of thematic investigations seriously. It would seem more sensible for HIQA to have a reduced burden - either more staff to allow it do everything or a reduced role - and would go in and say that there will be infection in a hospital, such as Tallaght or Galway, with this pressure on staff and pressure on a building that is not suitable, for instance, a paediatric ward that is not suitable.