Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Throughout the winter, and in recent months, we have heard many distressing stories from older people and other vulnerable patients who have had to spend 12 or more hours on seats and trolleys in Beaumont Hospital. Before the last election, myself and the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Finian McGrath, campaigned for a new cystic fibrosis, CF, unit and a new accident and emergency department at Beaumont Hospital; the current department has always been massively oversubscribed. I understood that in the programme for Government commitment was given to both of these projects. The CF unit has finally received planning permission, and €100,000 has been spent on the accident and emergency department. However, we are perhaps coming towards the end of this Government and there is still no sign of a new accident and emergency department at Beaumont. I am sure the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, is very well aware of this. We really need a new university regional hospital in Fingal, never mind a new accident and emergency. What is happening? Why was the agreement that I assume the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, entered into about the accident and emergency not adhered to?

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