Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

Many sods were turned over the years before the opening of Tallaght hospital, the hospital for the area I represent, and many politicians have visited the area in which it is located. It was supposed to be a flagship hospital, yet there are more people lying on trolleys in its accident and emergency department than there are in most other hospitals in the country. At one stage there were three times more patients on trolleys there than in other hospitals. Many patients in the hospital must spend up to eight days on trolleys. One man who had a heart complaint said, on the basis of what he went through in the hospital, that he would rather die than go back into its accident and emergency department.

The staff of the hospital should not be criticised because the Tánaiste is responsible. Will she explain to its staff and patients, and to residents of Tallaght and its hinterland, why there are nearly three times more patients on trolleys there than in any other hospital in the State. She can no longer get away with the excuse that she is new in the job. Circumstances have become significantly worse since she took office more than a year ago. She needs to act on plans to deal with the bottleneck in the accident and emergency unit which is now overwhelming other sections of the hospital. The necessary funds exist but the political will is lacking. The Tánaiste has made no positive impact on the crisis in Tallaght hospital and has failed in her role.

Less than a month after my highlighting a case in which a man was eight days on a trolley, similar cases arose. This is unacceptable. We hear nightmare stories weekly and I dread to think what stories will have to be heard to get the Government to act.

People should understand what is involved in waiting on a trolley in an accident and emergency department. I visited people in the accident and emergency department of Tallaght hospital and know of people who died in the hospital. What is happening dishonours the memory of the latter.

All public representatives have a responsibility to address this matter and it demeans us all that this problem exists in one of the richest countries in the world. Quick action is needed. In this regard, the Tánaiste should note that the answer does not involve prefabs outside Tallaght hospital. A proper unit is required and the site exists. Money and political will are the only elements that are lacking.

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