Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The purpose of the sub-committee is to provide, in line with the commitments contained in the programme for Government, a basis for political oversight of the development and delivery of key health service reforms. Everyone would like a situation to develop where those who require hospital treatment would be able to obtain it as close to home and as quickly as possible. Such treatment should be of the highest standard. In order to arrive at the position to which I refer, we must change the structures relating to something that is extremely large. Yesterday I launched an awareness week relating to drug and alcohol abuse and misuse. Is the Deputy aware that each night 2,000 hospital beds are filled by people suffering from the effects of alcohol abuse? He and I both have a responsibility in this matter, by which I mean that there is an onus on us to speak to those of our constituents who are afflicted by the problem of alcohol abuse. The fact that these 2,000 beds are unavailable for other purposes is having a direct impact on the quality of services that can be provided in accident and emergency and other hospital departments.

See this speech in context