Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy O'Sullivan mentioned general practitioners. This is not a criticism but I would like to see more investment in GP training and more places for GP trainees in the mid west. We have had a number of female GPs who, due to life responsibilities and family circumstances, cannot work on a full-time basis and we need more training places.

Any debate about the HSE showers that agency with negativity, which reflects on its staff. For my part, I wish to thank the staff of the HSE in the mid west for their service and dedication, for their professionalism and for the approach they take to their jobs on an everyday basis in difficult circumstances. I do not think it is fair there should be negative reflection on them.

The Fine Gael motion, as tabled, states that "regularly" 15 to 30 people are on trolleys. That is a very liberal use of the word "regularly". I was in the accident and emergency department a couple of days ago and did not see anybody on trolleys. I was in the hospital a week ago and did not see anybody on trolleys. I had occasion, as I told Deputy Reilly outside the House——

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