Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

More recently, the chief ambulance officer, Ray Bonor, informed me: "I would like to see all applications for transport for the elderly supported, but the financial resources to do so are not available." The Minister should read my lips. "Demand always exceeds our ability to supply certain services; this is a common problem throughout the health service". The HSE is willing and able to provide transport for these unfortunate pensioners if the Minister will only provide the funding.

The Minister is failing in her responsibility by not meeting the needs of these older people who have done so much for the State. In their autumn years, they simply require that they be able to visit the hospital to have their pacemakers checked. It is disgraceful that the Minister refuses to provide the HSE with the resources to provide the necessary transport. I would resign if I were in her shoes. Those categories that are covered, including dialysis and oncology, are already oversubscribed. As the population ages, there is an increased need for dialysis and a greater incidence of cancer.

The HSE is willing and able to provide transport for any impoverished elderly or ill person requiring hospital investigation or treatment. It is scandalous, in one of the richest countries in the world, that it is not able to perform this essential service because of a lack of money. The Minister should resign if she cannot even ensure patients can travel to their hospital appointments.

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