James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Deputy is correct to note that I raised these issues while in Opposition. I guarantee him that the special delivery unit is keeping a close eye on all these hospitals and it is reporting to me on a weekly and, sometimes, a daily basis. The provisions we are putting in place have been recommended by the hospital itself. We have priced them and they are only being made available under strict conditions. Certain other arrangements, including weekend discharges and diagnostics, will also have to be put in place. We are getting to the point where we can see what is happening on a daily basis and we can institute reforms in a more rapid and targeted way than in the past. The matter remains under review and, if the initiatives we have undertaken to date do not deliver the results we desire we shall look to initiate other processes to help address the situation.

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