Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)

My point about clinics is the earlier people are seen, if they require medical care, the less likelihood they will need a hospital bed in the long term. It is the delays that are the reason people end up requiring beds. If waiting times can be expedited and reduced, through people having access to clinics in a far faster timeframe, then that can be reduced.

The other issue we have is the growth in the over-65 age group. It is growing at a phenomenal rate. By 2030, we will have over 1 million people in that group. At any one time, 50% of all hospital beds are occupied by people over 65. That is why we need to make sure we have enough facilities available to do day procedures in a timely manner, and access to clinics.