Dr. Mick Molloy:

We are five years into the Sláintecare proposals. The previous chief executive of the HSE said that it should have been front-loaded with a dedicated build early on in play to generate public confidence, early wins and support. Five years down the line, there does not seem to be a willingness to invest in Sláintecare. It is the same as every other report that has come before. The Department of Health has produced some fantastic reports but they have not all been implemented. If they were implemented, we would not be here having a discussion about capacity. A report compiled by the Department of Health 20 years ago recommended an additional 5,000 beds. Had those beds been put in place, we would be having a discussion, one about a four-week waiting list rather than the current four-year waiting list in some services.