Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

I point out that Deputy Callely mentioned some solutions he himself put in place, which are impressive and which have been used in other hospitals around the country. My difficulty is when something good works in one place they do not try it everywhere else, and this is a matter which we should examine throughout the Department. There are some initiatives working in various hospitals that would work quite well in my local hospitals as well, if they were given the money to implement them or made a priority. There are solutions arising from both sides of the House, but we need to get them into every hospital. Certainly, I cannot stand here and accept that an Opposition Leader cannot raise issues that are obvious to the eye.

Deputy Callely mentioned Beaumont Hospital and other speakers mentioned other hospitals. Many clients in my area in County Meath who must attend neurologists, surgeons and other consultants in Beaumont Hospital could have to wait a year and a half to get an appointment. That is somebody's fault and it needs to be fixed. I acknowledge excellent work is done when one gets to the relevant person but a year and a half is a long time to wait to get an appointment.

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