David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

If the Minister could send on all of that information it would be very helpful. However, an awful lot of what was promised has not been delivered. I accept what he outlined is additional capacity and that it is going to make a difference. Any additional beds and any additional staff member in the health services is something I will welcome but as I have said to the Minister on a number of previous occasions, the problems are not just ones of capacity, although that is one part of it. Structural changes must also be made, though capacity is critical. I want to see, for example, the introduction of unique patient identifiers so that we have a system that can actually speak to itself and which is integrated. I want to see an integrated waiting list system. I also want to see hospital consultants having access to diagnostic equipment. We know much of that equipment is antiquated and must be replaced. We also know they struggle and fight to get access to theatre space and we must expand capacity in that area. Last year's budget was light on capital investment. We must also follow through on all the commitments that were made, which were substantial but not all of which were delivered upon, especially in the form of beds and staff, which is the critical part. It is one thing to promise; we must deliver.

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