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

At 7 p.m. last Sunday an accident victim in the accident and emergency department of Cork University Hospital was told after being triaged that it would be seven hours before he would be seen by a doctor. On Monday, an unwell 77-year-old man went into Kerry University Hospital at 7 p.m. and was told that he would be seen as soon as possible. He got a bed at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. He was in the hospital for 25 hours before he got a bed. The Minister knows what is wrong in accident and emergency departments. It is not the fault of those working in them. Staff such as doctors and nurses are excellent and doing their best. However, it does not make sense that a person sent to hospital by appointment by a doctor can only be admitted through accident and emergency. What is the Minister going to do in that regard to alleviate the pressure in accident and emergency departments in order that hospitals can run more efficiently?

See this speech in context