Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have previously raised the issue of the vital emergency department at Mayo University Hospital. Yesterday, more than 24 people were left on trolleys at the department and the hospital was forced to issue a statement noting that in excess of 170 patients attended department last Monday, which is 30% higher than average, leading to extremely lengthy waiting times. Staff are working in very difficult circumstances to try to care for people who are critically ill or injured. This is a project that has been promised to the people of Mayo for the past ten years. Why can the Minister for Health and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform not expedite this project like others done during the Covid emergency? These are exceptional circumstances with serious safety concerns. Can all agencies not work together so that this project can be fast-tracked and delivered to those who deserve it most?

See this speech in context