John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know the area covers part of the Minister's constituency.

Getting back to our discussion, Fine Gael had a big idea, which was universal health insurance. It abolished the HSE and scrapped the NTPF. Universal health insurance was going to sort everything out. Then Fine Gael decided it would not work. It then decided it needed the HSE, having abolished the board. It is now going to re-establish the board. Where are the great ideas on health and innovation in health because the Minister is looking for ideas? Fine Gael had several great ideas in 2011; each and every one of which has been abandoned.

I wish to focus on the neurology figures in Tallaght Hospital. In 2016 there were 480 on the waiting list and it is now up to 1,322 - close to 1,500. These are people who may have multiple sclerosis or have suffered a stroke. Rather than figures, what does the Minister say to the close relations of such people who come to my clinics and are incredibly anxious? It must be remembered that this is a waiting list just to get the appointment; it is not for treatment. What can I say to my constituents when I go back to them?

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