Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Deputy back to the House. In March 2006, when the number of patients on trolleys awaiting treatment for a number of hours hit 500, I stated that it must be treated by the HSE as if it were a national emergency. In other words, we had to apply a focus as if we had a national emergency. That was the appropriate way to treat the difficulties that had arisen. Everyone, including the Irish Nurses Organisation, the IMO and others, has acknowledged that we have seen major improvements, particularly in five hospitals. Different practices have resulted in great improvements for the benefit of patients. Challenges exist in other places, some of which relate to the physical capacity of facilities in places such as Drogheda. Money is being provided this year to provide new facilities there.

The initial target was 12 hours, which I accept is a long time. The next target will be six hours. Setting a target is not a sensible idea if one does not have the wherewithal to measure it. The HSE is setting up procedures so that a target of six hours can be set in October. I hope this can be reduced further.

More than 90% of people who present do not require admission and go home. Those people may still have long waiting periods before being treated and leaving. The target applies not just to those who must be admitted to an acute bed. We also need a target for the period between arrival time and the time one is dealt with, by being admitted or sent home. I look forward to that target being set in October.

See this speech in context