Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As Minister, he objected to that in the case of Cork.

The point I make to Deputy Adams is that I recognise the challenge we face if we are to help people who want to access hospital treatment, are lying in hospital beds or on trolleys in corridors, or are waiting to get into hospital for treatment. We have to deal with this matter in a structured way and on the basis of an understanding that people are entitled to a quality health service. The Minister for Health established the special delivery unit to deal, in the first instance, with the endless waiting lists this country has had for far too many years. Deputies are aware that such an approach has worked in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. It will work here too. The Minister for Health and the Government will co-operate in dealing with several parallel challenges. We are trying to provide an effective and safe health system with the highest standards - a system that works for people when they need it, which is what we all want.

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