Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

-----who are not responsible for this position. The layers of bureaucracy above them, created in the bureaucratic monster funded by the Taoiseach and the Minister, are responsible.

The Taoiseach did not tell me that St. Joseph's ward is closed or that 4,000 bed days will consequently be lost. He did not tell me that 800 operations for young and sick children will be delayed this year. These facts were determined and witnessed by the Members of the Oireachtas, including some from Fianna Fáil, who visited Crumlin hospital yesterday.

Savings of just over €9 million are being sought in a system built up and funded by the Taoiseach and the Minister, Deputy Harney, and through which she is making an outrageous attack on doctors, nurses and other front line staff. Between 2007 and 2008, €60 million was spent on taxis and transport. A 10% efficiency would have created 66% of what Crumlin hospital needs this year. Bonuses for HSE bosses amounted to almost €1.5 million in 2007.

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