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

I assure Deputy Kelleher that there will be no policy reversal. What is being done is what I have just described. A far more refined approach is being taken by focusing the staff in the places they are needed and getting the skills mix right. I already acknowledged that 1:48 is far too high but we must examine the roles of those working in our hospitals and determine how we can make better use of the staff we have. We must find ways to support staff using other staff so that we can provide the safest possible care for patients. That has been my absolute priority in the national service plan.

I have no problem with people pointing out the difficulties that are in the system because I want to know about and deal with them. However, I want to deal with them in a planned, evidence-based fashion. I hope that Deputy Kelleher will accept that the situation in the midlands in particular is one we inherited and which has been festering away for decades.

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