Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Over €900 million has been added to the health budget again this year. People are languishing on trolleys, however, and waiting in accident and emergency units, and the number on trolleys has not reduced. The Taoiseach visited Cork University Hospital last Monday evening. Before his arrival, many trolleys were wheeled out of the accident and emergency unit into various wards. The usual number was two to each ward. Why did that happen? Who is accountable? Who are those concerned trying to fool? Were they trying to cod the Taoiseach? Were they afraid of the Taoiseach? What will he do about it? Managers, as we found out during last Thursday's debate, are not accountable to the Minister for Health. I ask the Taoiseach to change the system and make them accountable. If elected representatives in the House cannot do something for the people who elect us, we should not be here at all. Managers need to be brought to account. I am asking the Taoiseach to do just that. What was done in Cork last Monday evening was shameful.

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