Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

——and that resources which must be clawed back must be taken from non-emergency areas. The Government has told the HSE that where difficulties arise, they should be addressed in conjunction with the staff under the partnership programme which deals with such issues. The HSE has taken our advice and is seeking to address its problems in an organised manner.

The reality is that Government, through the Department of Health and Children, the health committee and Cabinet health committee, is in daily contact with management of the HSE. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, pointed out a few areas wherein he believes his Department could help the organisation.

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