Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The overall position of the health system and services leaves much to be desired, particularly in respect of those who cannot get inside the system. I and other public representatives have evidence of the exceptional quality of treatment patients receive once they get into the system. However, I recently had a case of a person who was in hospital for three weeks awaiting an MRI scan, who told me he was taking up a bed that could be used for someone else. That is why the Government has set out a programme to change the nature and structure of the way health services are delivered.

The question about junior doctors is relevant. Obviously, junior doctors make a particular contribution to the quality of health services. The shortage of such doctors will be addressed by the Minister for Health on Friday morning.

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