Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her comments regarding the visit of the Minister, Deputy Harris, to the constituency and the investments there. Her support for these initiatives is very much appreciated. On winter planning, the Deputy asked the reason we need a winter plan given there is a winter, spring, summer and autumn every year, which is a fair point. Notwithstanding that comment, there is a unique set of challenges that present during winter time and thus an onus on the Health Service Executive to be prepared for the acute peaks and troughs that occur during that time. Challenges can become exacerbated during winter time.