Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour)

I share the Minister's views on the matter and recognise fully the changes he initiated in a very short space of time. I repeat that it is regrettable that the citizens who live in the catchment area of Tallaght hospital had to wait 12 years for these reforms. Tallaght hospital is a better place as a result of the report. I have described it as the busiest hospital in the country. It is fair to state that apart from being the busiest hospital, as a result of recent events it is also the safest public hospital in the country.

I pay due compliment to the very good staff of Tallaght hospital who provide the best possible care within the resources. I wish the new CEO, Eilísh Hardiman, well. She has brought about great changes in a very short period of time and this must be recognised.

I referred to the deficit of consultants at the hospital. Will the Minister clarify what is the appropriate number of consultants for the hospital given its size?

From previous discussions I know the Minister had intended to deal with the issue of the catchment area. Is there a catchment area or is this hospital required to care or cater for such a large number of patients coming from outside its catchment area? Will any changes be introduced so that the hospital can operate within the parameters for which it was built?

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