Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome much of the positive content in the Minister of State's reply. I reiterate that an internal memo in the radiology department has pointed to the possibility of some medical risk. We are all committed to ensuring medical risk is reduced in all circumstances. I am sure the Minister of State shares that commitment. Aside from the issue of medical risk, it must be pointed out that delays of two, three, four or five weeks also place considerable pressure on patients awaiting the results of MRI scans or X-rays. This problem has many repercussions from a human point of view. It is symptomatic of the larger staffing problem in Tallaght Hospital, particularly in the accident and emergency department. My attention was brought to this matter at the weekend when I met a friend who works as a nurse in the hospital. I ask the Minister of State to highlight this issue with his colleagues at Minister of State level and with the Minister for Health. The accident and emergency department in Tallaght Hospital is facing inordinate staffing pressure. Nursing staff, in particular, are working up to 80 hours a week because they are under intense pressure to work extraordinary levels of overtime to ensure the necessary services are provided. This issue must be of concern to everyone in this House. I am sure it is of concern to management personnel at the hospital, whom I salute for doing their best in difficult circumstances. I hope the Minister of State will take up this matter with the Minister for Health.

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