Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

——the figures are extremely good across all the teaching hospitals, as well as other hospitals. I see the figures every day because I get the chart from the Minister for Health and Children. Of the 52 acute hospitals, about six have difficulties. The others are managing very well and the HSE is actively assisting them.

A range of areas around Beaumont Hospital operate the HSE d-doc system in north Dublin in centres in Swords, Hartstown, Ballymun, North Strand and Coolock. This is helping dramatically. Approximately 8,000 patients have been seen under the scheme. The HSE rolled out 90 of the primary care teams last year, with 120 this year.

A number of improvements have been made in the minor clinics, the rapid access clinics which were part of the plans of Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. They now open five days a week from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Referrals are taken from hospitals, including hospitals in the north inner city and Beaumont Hospital. The service will be extended to accept referrals from the other teaching hospitals and a wider network of general practitioners. To date, the service has supported almost 200 patients and is targeted to provide a service for 2,000 per annum. These measures are all hugely helpful.

A home service for patients from the five participating Dublin hospitals, as well as James Connolly Memorial Hospital and GPs in the north city and county area is available from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. There are community intervention teams. A whole range of points put in the action plan by the Minister for Health and Children are now operating very effectively.

See this speech in context