James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

In deference to my Labour Party colleague, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, I did not wish to encroach on her time but the Minister just made an extraordinary statement. She has told this House that between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. there are only 20 attendances at the accident and emergency departments of the three children's hospitals in this city. I find that very difficult to believe. I would like to see an input into this from the people who are working in those accident and emergency departments. Before I address the question, however, I want to say that cutting down on accident and emergency departments seems the most cynical move yet to reduce the numbers on trolleys. There will not be room for the trolleys in the four accident and emergency departments that are left. It is outrageous.

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