James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no crisis in this country's accident and emergency departments. When I met Mr. Ian Carter two days ago, he took me through all the hospitals' compliance with the European working time directive, their inpatient waiting time targets and their outpatient waiting time targets. I have had discussions with the special delivery unit, through one of my colleagues, on the emergency department figures. There has been a 34% reduction in the number of people waiting on trolleys since I became Minister for Health. That is despite a 10% reduction in staff and a 20% reduction in the budget. I reiterate my gratitude to the men and women who work in our health services for achieving that. The specific issue raised by the Deputy is primarily a matter for the Medical Council. I cannot interfere in it. There should be no different treatment for people.

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