Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Inequality lies at the heart of this motion. Health inequality is a major factor in disease development and inequality is now built into our two-tier health system. Inequality is also built into our public health system and health inequality kills. There is no argument about this statement. It kills patients worldwide and Ireland is no exception. Political policy and inaction regarding health inequality kills.

There are 577 patients on trolleys today, according to the IMO and INMO, 75 of whom are in Limerick Regional Hospital. According to the HSE's TrolleyGAR figures, there are 39% more people on trolleys today than on this day last year. We do not have a flu epidemic and are not yet in midwinter. As Deputy Kelly said, the mid-west is under-resourced by 20% compared to catchment areas of a similar nature. This is a €40 million under-investment in the mid-west per year. This institutional inequality kills people in the mid-west

Health inequality needs to be addressed immediately and urgently by the Minister. He has data and blueprints, but lacks the will to properly implement Sláintecare and address the core issues, namely, capacity and consultant and GP vacancies. What the Minister said bears no resemblance to reality. He is not addressing the core issues and is not listening to front-line staff or people who deliver services. That is why we have health inequality, and health inequality kills.

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