Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I agree with the comments of the Taoiseach and his remarks about upcoming health problems, which are reflective of our lifestyles. I will share my experience. Recently, I wrenched myself very badly while cycling. I went to the minor injuries unit at Louth County Hospital. They did not have the facilities to deal with me so they put me in an ambulance and brought me to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where I spent the night on a trolley. I do not mind, I am not complaining and I do not raise these issues out of a sense of self-promotion. It was a worthwhile experience for a Member of the Legislature. Other people were on trolleys. I was put into a cubicle because, obviously, they wanted to give me some privacy. Elderly people were in a corridor and were very distressed. There was one toilet serving a very modern hospital unit. It reminded me of overcrowding in prisons I was in. My admiration, respect and support for the staff was unbounded as they dealt with these issues. I waited five and a half hours to be seen by a doctor. I went in at 7.30 p.m. and was seen after midnight. I spoke to people who had been waiting for seven or eight hours. I was released the next morning but I was in Drogheda and my car was in Dundalk. I had to return to the hospital for other checks. Although I worked in the Dáil, the Taoiseach may have noticed that I missed the odd session of Leaders' Questions. At one point I drove to Drogheda and was taken by ambulance back to Dublin. I am sure I received the same attention as everyone. Over the course of three days I was in three hospitals and two ambulances. What was edifying was the professionalism and attention of the health workers at every level. However, I also saw real distress. I heard people tell me they had been there for ten hours. Whatever progress has been made, that is the reality.

I stand in the Chamber, as does the Taoiseach, and talk about these matters and it was by fluke that I was able to experience this myself. I am not raising this matter for myself because, thank God, I am okay. Other people do not have a voice and cannot articulate this point. As we speak, they are in the same predicament.

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