Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

I notice the Tánaiste did not answer Deputy Twomey's question on the closure of the accident and emergency department at Cork University Hospital a fortnight ago. While 30 people were on trolleys in the department, dozens more were turned away. The senior consultant at the department, Mr. Stephen Cusack, described the scenario as one involving the sending away of walking wounded. Does the Tánaiste find it acceptable that not only did this occur, there continues to be great uncertainty about the new accident and emergency facility which has been built on the hospital's grounds and remains unopened despite statements by her party colleagues that it would be opened this very month? Will the Tánaiste provide definite information as to when the accident and emergency problems in the major hospital in the southern region will be alleviated?

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