Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I support this motion. I condemn the Government, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the leader of the Green Party for their reckless decision to underfund the health service in budget 2024. I have listened to what the Minister has said and it all sounds great. All the while, a new community hospital is opening up in Killarney that will not provide one extra bed because the other beds are being closed. I have heard what the Minister said in respect of GPs entering practice but how many of them are going to be working full time? In rural Ireland it is very difficult to get a locum never mind a GP. Where is the minor injuries clinic that is so needed in County Kerry?

I support the call for the Government to increase the funding allocation for the Department of Health, particularly as existing levels of service are diminishing by the day. As of today University Hospital Kerry, UHK, has 23 people waiting on trolleys, which is on a par with much larger hospitals in the cities. According to the National Treatment Purchase Fund and as reported by Radio Kerry, some 11,000 people are on waiting lists in the county. There are currently 50 whole-time equivalent clerical vacancies in a hospital which has been traditionally under-resourced. This will directly impact on patient care. There is no rheumatology secretary. There is a similar lack of staff in cardiology. New referrals are going to have to be sent to Cork. Respiratory pulmonary function tests will also not be able to take place in UHK. Serious problems will arise. It is time to deal with this now, lift the embargo and introduce a supplementary budget as soon as possible.

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