Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was ten years ago, but Fianna Fáil did nothing about it. It has landed us with the problem to sort out. It is typical Fianna Fáil to say it is in the past.

I welcome the initiatives the Minister has instigated. I am delighted to say that Liam Doran of the INMO is co-chairing the emergency department task force. I would like to see more community improvement schemes being put in place. I welcome the one that will be introduced to Naas this week, which will help to aid discharges and keep people at home. The objective we all have is to keep people living at home for as long as possible. The last place an elderly or sick person wants to be is in hospital. Our objective should be to discharge people as soon as possible after their treatment has been completed. While I welcome this debate, it is ironic that it is coming from the Fianna Fáil side. I hope the Minister will examine some of the positive ideas I have put to him.

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