Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left) | Oireachtas source

I tabled this question because Cappagh Hospital has come onto my radar on a number of occasions - I am sure the position is the same with other Members present - in the context of waiting times relating to knee and hip surgical procedures. There have been reports to the effect that operating theatres at the hospital are sitting idle because the authorities there do not have the resources available to allow procedures to be carried out in them. Question No. 27 in my name relates to an elderly and very ill woman in my area who has already been to St. James's Hospital and who has been informed that it will be almost 15 months before she will be operated upon. This is a serious matter. What is happening is not acceptable and I do not believe the Minister would stand over it. Will he indicate what is being done in the context of reducing waiting times?

See this speech in context