Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Minister for his response. This is the first opportunity I have had to congratulate him on his appointment as Minister for Health and Children. I wish him all the best. While I know it is early days yet, there are many health policies that I would strongly support. I will revert to him in 12 months to see how he is getting on.

Is it acceptable to have patients lying on trolleys and chairs while beds are lying idle upstairs in those hospitals? Would the Minister agree that it is a national scandal to have senior citizens and very sick people lying on trolleys in corridors where there are disorderly people? Has the Minister ever witnessed the drunkenness, intimidation and violence on a Saturday night in accident and emergency departments? Does he agree that after ten years of massive wealth and extra finances, it is criminal that the accident and emergency issue has not been sorted yet? How long will it take for the Minister to sort this problem out for once and for all?

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