Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand where both Deputies are coming from. Any person who heard this news at the weekend, whether one is a politician or not, was naturally concerned, not only for potential patients but also for staff and the people connected to the hospitals to which the Deputies referred. It is unfortunate there would be the type of confusion, concern and uncertainty raised as a result of a news report like this.

I very much welcome the comments of both Deputies about the fantastic care our front-line staff provide when any of us is unfortunate enough to have the need of the excellent staff in our hospitals across the country. They probably do not get enough recognition so I particularly welcome that both Deputies recognised the marvellous care we get when we need to avail of these services.

Given the fact trauma makes up such a small percentage of the overall care the emergency departments provide, it is critical we at all times have skilled people to manage the horrendous injuries people suffer as a result of, for example, a car accident or a fire. With regard to the information we need, we currently have difficulty in getting good, robust population based data.

I very much welcome the fact a report is imminent and we will have it in the autumn. I know the Minister is anxious that the all-party committee on health will discuss the contents of the report. I look forward to the findings of the report. I reiterate this is absolutely not about closing or reducing services in emergency departments in any hospital in the country.

See this speech in context