Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

Regarding CAMHS, what happened to the children who were misdiagnosed and given the wrong medication was horrific. They deserve support. There is long-term, permanent damage in that regard.

I welcome the response about the additional block of beds in University Hospital Kerry, UHK. Regarding the beds that are closed in our community hospitals, namely, Dingle and Cahersiveen, I received a response that said it is very difficult to get staff for these rural, isolated areas. We should probably be giving incentives, if possible. It is a nice place to live. Both hospitals are on lovely peninsulas, the Iveragh peninsula and the Dingle peninsula.

On the accident and emergency overcrowding that I referenced, I am not going to dispute the facts and the Minister deals in facts. However, I have seen at first hand the overcrowding. I am aware of cases where elderly patients have fallen off their chairs in the waiting room, etc. Radio Kerry runs ads every week telling people not to attend the hospitals unless it is absolutely necessary, and rightly so. I am aware of patients now going to Limerick and Cork. Maybe that has a bearing on the figures.

I want to reissue the invitation from University Hospital Kerry to the Minister. We would be delighted to welcome her.