James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

Nobody is more frustrated than a surgeon or physician trying to do a procedure who is not able to do the work planned for the day because of a lack of beds, personnel, nursing staff or an anaesthetist. That comes down to organisation and planning, which will be addressed.

The productive theatre initiative which applied in five theatres - that is only 2.5% of theatres - saved €2.5 million. If the initiative were transposed across the system it could save another €100 million. I agree with Deputy Ó Caoláin that if it is business as usual there will be a serious impact on services but if we change the way we operate and work the impact of the plan will be minimised.

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