Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To follow on from what happened in Mallow, it was a big help and alleviated some of the pressure. Are there plans to expand that service or that option?

I know we cannot always use beds in Mallow. I know also that part of it is being transferred to Ennis but is it going to be looked at in the long term? If we take UHL, and we are talking about the winter crisis today, it is in crisis all year round. Are there plans to expand that on a more long-term basis? My understanding is that more than 60% of the people who present at the hospital have not been referred by a doctor. They are self referrals. In England, there is a GP in the accident and emergency unit who sees patients who present without a referral. The person may be sent home with two paracetamol or to triage. I suppose the person is sent to a relevant department, whether it is the minor injuries unit or wherever. Are there any plans to look at a similar model here? In the briefing with UHL some days ago, the Minister referred to the fact five clinics would be opened around Ireland with Limerick as a location for one of them. When is it envisaged that the clinic will open in Limerick? The sooner the better, in my opinion.