Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To what extent have individual and precise areas been examined with a view to identifying what might be done in the short term to alleviate some of the delay problems? For example, delays in waiting to see a consultant is a common cause put forward by patients. Subsequently, the next delay occurs when waiting for the procedure. What are the contributory factors in that regard? Is it due to a shortage of bed space, a shortage of theatre space, a shortage of theatre staff or a combination of all of them? To what extent can they be addressed and dealt with in the short term? These issues have arisen repeatedly for years. Bearing in mind the increase in population, the increasingly ageing population and the increased demand, is it not time to take an initiative that will have a telling, lasting and beneficial effect from the point of view of patients?

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