Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Last week some 300 people protested outside the gates of Cavan General Hospital in the pouring rain in solidarity with the Irish Nurses' Organisation's campaign entitled "Enough is Enough", and with citizens and patients who continue to suffer daily in accident and emergency units throughout the country. They were joined in Cavan and elsewhere by elected representatives of all opinion, including from Fianna Fáil. Is the Taoiseach not aware that citizens are absolutely outraged that this crisis in accident and emergency units continues despite all the promises and commitments that have been made and the money that has undisputedly been spent on the health services? It happens despite all the pledges by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, when she took up her position more than six months ago.

The honeymoon period is long over, and it is now time for the Minister to be accountable, not only to this House, but to the citizens. I ask the Taoiseach to forget the text that he used in his response to Deputy Kenny. Instead, I ask him to stand here today and, in his own words, tell the House what he and Deputy Harney intend to do today to address the situation. It is outrageous that eight hospitals have been reported to fire officers because exit doors and corridors are blocked. That means not only that citizens are suffering on trolleys in accident and emergency units but that they are also at risk from fire and such other potential hazards and emergencies that might arise.

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