John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am glad to have an opportunity to speak on this motion for a few minutes. I do not intend to suggest that all is well in accident and emergency departments. It is not the case that Government Deputies are expected to do so. I accept the points made by Deputy Cooper-Flynn. It is obvious that not all accident and emergency departments face the same demands. It is clear, therefore, that the same responses or solutions are not required. As a member of the Joint Committee on Health and Children in recent months, I refute any allegation that the health service is being neglected by the Tánaiste or the Government. I recognise that the Tánaiste made a commitment, shortly after she became Minister for Health and Children, to attend a meeting of the joint committee every three months to deal with the issues which crop up on a daily basis, unfortunately, and to respond directly to them. The last meeting of the committee that the Tánaiste and Professor Drumm attended was scheduled for an hour and a half, began at 9.30 a.m. and ended at some time close to 2 p.m. Obviously the longevity of a meeting is no indicator of the outcome. That suggests, however, that there has been no hidden agenda or attempt to run away from the facts. They were quite clearly outlined to members of the committee.

Some accident and emergency units throughout the country work well and successfully. From memory I believe Kilkenny, Waterford and Limerick were in this category. On the other hand, some accident and emergency units have a very poor record. The most startling statistic to emerge that morning was the fact that often in some accident and emergency units a patient may be seen by up to five medical practitioners, and quite obviously this is something that must be attended to. Obviously, that is only part of the problem. Nevertheless, it shows there is no consistency throughout the service and, more importantly, people may be left waiting unnecessarily.

Those who have the privilege of serving on the Joint Committee on Health and Children have the time to listen to the Tánaiste give specific details on the issue. A few minutes ago it was asserted that the greed of the Government meant it was ignoring the health service. Rather than waste the few minutes I have talking about the health spend, it is important for us to realise that health funding has gone from €3.6 billion to €12.6 billion.

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