Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The insurance Bill will be introduced next year. On the health reform Bill, a great deal of work is being done to restructure the health service. It is not acceptable to the Minister or to anybody that there would be waiting lists of the length mentioned by the Deputy. Obviously, the 86 year old person referred to by the Deputy is a case in point. Clearly, the arrangements made for people to access hospital facilities are matters for hospital management. If any chain in that link breaks down, it causes this particular kind of problem. The HSE report was approved by the Government on Tuesday. I think it is being outlined by the Minister for Health today or tomorrow. These matters are being treated as priorities. Patients all over the country should have a smooth system for access to facilities and treatments.

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