Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

I invite the Deputy to read the OECD publication today which shows the significant improvements we have made in Ireland in health, life expectancy and cancer treatment. It is an independent analysis which shows that, over the past decade, life expectancy has increased faster in Ireland than in any other EU country. Some of the cases the Deputy discussed had already been brought to my attention, which is why I discussed the matter with Professor Conlon. It is not acceptable when there are 11 orthopaedic surgeons in one hospital that someone must wait two and a half years for an outpatient appointment. It is not acceptable to me, to Professor Conlon or to the board of the hospital and the matter will be dealt with.

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