Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am of the view that it would be important to broaden the range of treatments available, particularly in the context of cost-effectiveness and in light of the fact that 18% of people never previously had access to that which we are discussing. It is unacceptable that senior citizens often end up lying on trolleys or sitting on chairs in accident and emergency departments in, for example, Beaumont Hospital and other facilities, for 20, 24 or 26 hours while they wait for services. The proposals to which I refer would assist in terms of ameliorating the crisis that exists in the area of front-line services. I urge the Minister of State to give consideration to them because they contain a number of brilliant ideas. I agree with her regarding the important trust that exists between local pharmacists and their customers. There is huge potential to develop the service.

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