Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Go raibh maith agat a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. It is appropriate on this special day north of the Border that we extend good wishes to the new First Minister designate and the Deputy First Minister as they embark on what hopefully will be a worthwhile and fruitful relationship at the helm of the Executive and the Assembly. We hope that in the very short time ahead we will see the delivery of those critical elements of the promise and hope of the Good Friday Agreement delivered.

On a separate matter, regarding the limited time that remains between now and the summer recess, as has been alluded to, the Government should facilitate a debate within the House to address the deepening crisis within the health service. I speak specifically about the fact that this week we have seen the exposure of the ever-increasing number of patients waiting on trolleys in accident and emergency departments and at this time of the year——

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