Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Chair for the opportunity to speak on this Private Members' motion on the health service and the work of nurses, doctors and staff of accident and emergency units who work under severe pressure each day.

I support the motion but before I go into detail it is important to state that the Government should stop pussy-footing around on the health issue and provide more beds. While this motion deals with anti-social behaviour of some people visiting our hospitals, the primary issue in any accident and emergency department is the need for beds. We need approximately 500 beds immediately and then we can increase the number of beds over a reasonable period. We have had enough when it comes to talk and reports, we want beds in hospitals.

I demand and put forward a proposal for the immediate implementation of the an action plan, including the ten-point plan for accident and emergency services, to bring about some improvement in the short term, and the development of a hospital development plan with a different time frame and funding commitments for the introduction of additional acute and non-acute beds promised in the Government's health strategy. I also demand better management of existing resources, including the lifting of the employment ceiling on nursing and other front-line staff, the opening of all closed beds with appropriate staffing and proper administration of admissions and discharge policies. These are three sensible proposals to end the nightmare for patients and staff at our accident and emergency departments.

The Government should hang its head in shame for the way it has dealt with the crisis in our hospitals. It is a disgrace and a clear breach of the civil liberties of patients and their families. The manner in which it has dealt with the crisis is also an abuse of our citizens and taxpayers, it having been in power for eight years and having spent €30 million on reports.

I also support the proposal for "wet rooms" where those found simply to be drunk, following a medical assessment, but not ill or injured, would be separated from other patients, especially our elderly or seriously ill patients. These are important issues for all patients and staff.

I am sick and tired of listening to constituents and complaints from patients and their families over the past eight years, yet nothing is being done in this area. I call on the Minister to come into the real world and to listen to the constructive proposals in this debate. This motion is about health care and our people but above all it is about providing a top quality health service for all our citizens, regardless of income, colour or creed.

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