Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Tá mé ag roinnt mo chuid ama leis na Teachtaí Crowe, Gregory agus Finian McGrath.

Cuirim fáilte roimh an díospóireacht mar is deis thábhachtach dúinn é an scéal práinneach seo a iniúchadh agus a phlé. Accident and emergency facilities are rarely out of the news and, unfortunately, it is all too often because they are so inadequate. We talk about the need for resources but, first and foremost, there is a need for more beds in our hospitals to deal with the demands created by accident and emergency units. The legacy of this Government and of previous ones comprising the same parties is multiple bed closures over the years. Despite all the talk, spin and the latest press releases and so on from the Government, the reality is that Ireland is below the European average in terms of acute beds. We have three acute beds per 1,000 of population whereas Germany has six acute beds per 1,000 — twice as many. We must face up to that reality.

The Tánaiste said that last year, more than 1.2 million people attended accident and emergency — an average of 3,300 per day. If we want people to go to their doctors, we must have more doctors. Ireland has 20 doctors per 10,000 of population while Germany has 36 doctors per 10,000. We all want more primary care.

This is a question of resources and it will not be dealt with by a few short debates or press statements. The former Minister, Deputy Martin, told us not to blame him in that people were getting sick more. That is probably true but the Government must take responsibility for failing to prioritise preventative health care. The last time I looked, it comprised 1% of overall health spending. If that is still the case, it is a disgrace. Alcohol advertisements are still allowed and we do not have an alcohol control office. Accident and emergency is about an end-of-pipe approach to health and the Department must take on board the need for a more holistic approach.

The bottom line is that an unhealthy lifestyle is a consequence of poverty. The Government has widened the gap between the rich and poor. From 1997 onwards, the top 20% got 40% of the budget giveaways, while the bottom 20% got 5%. The top 20% received six times the share of wealth afforded to the bottom 20%, whereas in Denmark the top 20% received three times the share of the wealth afforded to the bottom 20%. A divided society creates an unhealthy society. That is the bottom line.

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