Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raised points around the cuts that have taken place during recent years. The Minister's Department states it needs €3 billion per year to bring us back to the previous level. The Minister knows we are in crisis regarding staff and staff retention. Before Christmas, the Minister tried a recruitment drive. It did not get the numbers he was hoping for. We have a crisis regarding people accessing surgery and lists being cut. I could name several issues, such as problems with access to the St. John of God Menni services. Basic surgeries and appointments are being cut, outpatient appointments are being put off and lists are being changed. The list goes on and on and people have completely lost faith in our service. I know people from Tallaght hospital, Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital and St. James's Hospital who have been waiting months for basic requirements. If we do not reinvest money in our health services where it is needed, this will continue and there will be no fruits from the cuts nurses endured during the past five years.

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