Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Deputy for his support in the case in Mayo. I do not know if it is a suitable case for the national treatment purchase fund. One of the issues surrounding accident and emergency is the lack of data. I have asked for patient data to be made available over the next two weeks as it is not collected at the moment. This is so that we can know the kind of cases with which we are dealing, the frequency of visits and so on. Tomorrow afternoon, I will meet the CEOs of all the Dublin hospitals regarding accident and emergency services. Suffice to say that this is a priority for me, for the Government and for the country. I appreciate the support the Deputy is offering. I know he cannot support me all the time, but I appreciate the spirit in which he offers that support.

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