Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have limited time so I will shoot through a considerable amount. Everyone welcomes the fact that hospital inpatient charges will be abolished but it should have been done better and more quickly. It should have happened a long time ago but we welcome it. There is a long journey ahead to reach the final destination of a decent universal healthcare system. We know we do not have such a system. We know the issues in respect of hospitals, disability services and community. None of it is where it needs to be.

I have a few asks. I spoke to the Minister earlier regarding engagement with the Irish Dental Association and, in particular, with Fintan Hourihan. That needs to happen as soon as possible. In my town and county, a huge number of people on medical cards cannot get dental care. It is a significant problem that needs to be dealt with.

Like many other Deputies, I am sure, I have met many people from a lobby representing what is a fair ask regarding a neurorehabilitation team for each community healthcare organisation, CHO. Many people dealing with multiple sclerosis, MS, and other ailments do not have the services they need. It is sometimes the case that they need hospitalisation because they are not being provided with those earlier services.

Something still has to be done in respect of car parking for patients receiving cancer care, as well as other patients, although I accept there are issues in that regard.

I spoke to the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, regarding the need for mental health assessments in the evenings and at night at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital. This issue requires hospital management, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, and mental health services to get around a table. The solution is there, so I will chase it up.

The Minister has to go back to the families of those in Dealgan House whom he met previously. We are getting closer to an inquiry but the Minister has to engage with the families.

I do not know what I can say about the eviction ban and the long-term impact the housing crisis will have on people.

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