David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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We got that information a couple of weeks ago. I accept that a lot of additional beds have been provided. However, my question concerns the fact that notwithstanding that 1,000 beds have been delivered and 1,200 were funded, some will not be delivered until next year. In the case of Drogheda, there has been a clear bed problem. When is that going to be addressed? If I were to respond in kind, as the Minister did, to patients who were in those ambulances, should I tell them that they should not complain because he provided 1,000 beds elsewhere, when all they are worried and concerned about is the fact that they are in the back of an ambulance and unable to get a bed? That ambulance crew cannot do their job and go somewhere else because they are parked up. Where does Drogheda fit into those plans? I do not see it mentioned in the briefing note. Portiuncula Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, South Tipperary General Hospital and the Mater Hospital are mentioned. Where does Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda sit?