Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the reply. The people I talk to in my constituency every week, many of whom are elderly, tell me that despite the excellent work done by the staff in the emergency department, they are left waiting for hours in overcrowded conditions. They can be left on chairs and may not even be able to get a trolley. Elderly people who go into the emergency department in the morning may not get out until 6 a.m. the next day. These are intolerable conditions.

Promises have been made over the years. The design team appointed in 2018 concluded its work in February 2019, and its costings are very much out of date. While I appreciate the Minister's response, people want to know when the much-needed new emergency department will be provided.

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