Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)

That was never announced at any stage of the health strategy. While the Tánaiste came up with the figure of 1,000 beds, she must be quite clear where the beds will be located. Will she indicate where she expects these 1,000 beds to be found in a couple of years or what parts of the country are deemed to require them? It is difficult to work out in which public hospitals the beds will be located.

The role of the HSE is an important factor. To use the term used by the Taoiseach last week, the Tánaiste is almost dumping on the HSE all the problems cropping up in the health services. The Tánaiste, to some degree, and the Taoiseach are not taking personal responsibility for many of the problems arising in the health services.

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