Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

Midsummer is approaching but we have not yet seen the capital programme. There is a stalemate in the process. It does not appear to me, or to most members of the public, that there is a serious drive to deal with the problems in the accident and emergency departments and the capacity issues inherent in our hospital system. The problems in accident and emergency departments cannot be dealt with in isolation.

I wish we could all work together to improve the situation but that will not happen. I resent the suggestion that nurses and doctors do not work together. They do. I see them in the accident and emergency departments, as I see the other health professionals, and ambulance officers bringing in the patients. They all work together. The problems they face and the blockages in the system overwhelm them when it comes to making a difference and ensuring people can pass speedily through the system.

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