Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)

The Tánaiste was probably correct about one matter, that is, that the accident and emergency crisis should be regarded as a national emergency. The problem is that the Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fáil have now been in office for more than nine years during which time the accident and emergency crisis has festered. It has caused dreadful pain and suffering and, worse, it has caused deaths, especially of elderly people. It is only now, with an upcoming general election, that the crisis is being recognised for what it is — a national emergency and scandal.

What is being done about the crisis and where are the emergency measures to deal with it? The Government seems to be bankrupt of ideas in responding to this national emergency. Perhaps the statement of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children was just another public relations ploy to give the impression of concern while she lacks the political will to take effective action.

I would be interested to hear the Tánaiste's responses to the following practical questions. Why is there no consultant on the floor of accident and emergency units throughout the evening and night, thereby resulting in a backlog of patients who must wait until 6 a.m. for a consultant to make decisions. Why are x-rays, blood tests, scans, etc. not available on a 24-hour basis? Why are persons under the influence of drugs and alcohol not diverted from accident and emergency units to a more appropriate location at weekends? Why do 411 elderly patients in the Mater, Beaumont and Blanchardstown hospitals still await the provision of beds in nursing homes, for which the Government will not provide funds? Why are the necessary, additional nursing staff not recruited? Why is the system becoming top-heavy with managerial and administrative staff?

If the Government genuinely regarded the accident and emergency crisis as a national emergency, the aforementioned issues would be dealt with on an emergency basis. The Government is bankrupt of ideas on this issue and this leads to only one conclusion, that is, greed is uppermost in the minds and on the agenda of the Progressive Democrats members and their partners in government. Health is simply not accorded sufficient priority. This is the bottom line.

The Government has failed to deliver the deliver the world class health service the Taoiseach promised us in 2001. He made this commitment to the people and has reneged on it. The people will remember this at the next general election.

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