Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach should not try to hide behind the excellence of healthcare workers to try to deny the failures of his Government. I direct my comments to him and his colleagues in government. Yesterday, we had 704 people on trolleys and today, we have 712 people on trolleys. A survey has revealed that three quarters of nurses surveyed stated that they have considered leaving their posts. The Taoiseach has acknowledged that we have considerable pressure in the system and massive shortfalls. By the way, the Government has consistently fallen short of the targets it has set for the delivery of beds.

The Taoiseach has described the problem; I am now asking him to describe his solution. I again ask him to respond to that survey finding, and to the very clear low morale and real pressure that nurses, midwives and others are experiencing in the health service. I ask him to set out whether the Government is prepared to publish a multiannual plan for beds, but also for personnel and staff to deliver those beds.

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