Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister accept that the key problems within the accident and emergency departments referred to in the report are the lack of beds and the need for additional capacity? Given that we have missed the stated, firm deadline that by February 2007 no one would be left waiting for more than six hours, what is the latest commitment? Will it be October, November or February 2008? I have only been spokesperson on health for a matter of weeks, but it appears we have a shifting deck of responsibility with regard to certain people taking responsibility for actions that are unmet. The Minister is very keen to inform the House of the responsibility of the private sector when it comes to deadlines and commitments, but when it relates to the HSE and matters falling under her Department, she is less responsible. When will this commitment be met?

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