Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The late Mr. Walsh was not released from the hospital in Drogheda, he was transferred to Monaghan Hospital. The Tánaiste's revelation that an intensive care bed existed in Cavan Hospital makes this even worse. The Taoiseach should make a public statement on why this intensive care bed in Cavan was not used, as the public has an interest.

Political responsibility for the chaotic services within the health system rests with the Government. After nine years and record amounts of money being spent, this is the situation. In November 2004, at a meeting of the PD constituencies, the Tánaiste stated, "if we put money in but it flows away, gets diverted and loses its force before it delivers results for the public, we have a big problem". This was not a case of money flowing away but a man's blood flowing away. That man is now dead.

Despite all the promises made, there was no room at the inn for Pat Joe Walsh. When Monaghan Hospital inquired, there was no room at Cavan, Drogheda, or Beaumont Hospital. The Taoiseach is shifting political responsibility for this incident to the HSE. We were also promised trained paramedics on all ambulances but this has not happened. The family of the late Pat Joe Walsh and the public in general deserve to know what happened, and the Taoiseach should make a public statement on the bed in Cavan Hospital not being used. He should confirm that the report of the public inquiry will be published in full so that people will know the full tragic consequences for Pat Joe Walsh and his family of a Government that is unable to cope with the realities of life.

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