David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Only 5% of patients are admitted to hospital within two hours of stroke onset. Why is that the case? The Irish Heart Foundation report states there were only 12 stroke unit beds nationally and that 30% of hospitals do not have routine access to CT scanning within 48 hours of someone having a stroke. Why is that the case? Following ten years in power and with huge amounts of money available, this is the state in which we find ourselves.

I recently met a girl who was informed by the HSE that she would never walk again. She travelled to a clinic in Germany for treatment and she is now walking. What is happening in this country is beyond belief. Ireland has the worst record in Europe in respect of this matter. When I made my trip to Germany, I discovered that the various services required are offered at stationary centres. There are 15 such centres in southern Germany alone. Around these are located ambulant or day-care centres into which people can walk. The rehabilitation centres in Germany are funded by insurance payments and from contributions by the state.

Why can the Government here not get its act together and do something? Will timescales or deadlines be provided? When will a proper service be available? The Minister is in charge — she is responsible and accountable. If she cannot do what is required, she should resign and her job should be given to someone who can. It is as simple as that. This matter has been dragging on for too long and it is far too serious for that.

I apologise for becoming emotional about this matter. However, I am familiar with people and their families who are suffering a great deal. There was no feeling or emotion from the Minister or the Minister of State. They rattled off statistics and referred to the spending of millions and billions. However, this does not mean anything to anyone. The Government needs to start thinking about people and providing services for them. Those of us on this side of the House are not in a position to do this but the Minister is and she has a responsibility in that regard.

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