Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

These figures were objectively obtained. I do not have control over their compilation. Everybody knows about the system which is producing those activity figures in respect of who is being discharged from hospital. The system is independent from me and has been independent of different Ministers. That is well known. It is the bottom line. It might be hard to accept that but that is the reason there is such pressure on our acute hospitals. I pay tribute to our acute hospitals and staff who have dealt effectively with the expanding numbers due to the increased population.

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