Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

What is the reason for the record overcrowding in hospital emergency departments to date in 2017? Will the Minister make a statement on the matter? He is aware that all overcrowding records have been broken in hospital emergency departments this year to date. As recently as this morning, Temple Street Children's University Hospital has advised people not to attend its emergency department because of overcrowding.

2 o’clock

The issue, as it is now November, is very worrying. Are the hospitals prepared for winter? Will they be able to cope? I ask the Minister to make a statement on the record overcrowding in our emergency departments.

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