Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach did not deal with the core issue. Completely unrealistic and unachievable figures were included in the health Estimate. Legislation to give effect to them has not even been brought before the House and it is only two or three weeks to the recess. False figures were included in the Estimate: there was a figure of €143 million under the heading of income from private patients in public hospitals; a figure of €124 million for demand-led schemes and savings in respect of agency staff. Mr. Cathal Magee states it was never realistic to state agency staff would be cut by 50% and the Taoiseach is now trotting out a reference to a cut in agency staff for the rest of the year. The bottom line is that these were false figures and we need answers.

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