Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The number of presentations does not reflect the concerns that people are bringing to the Deputy. I will share the relevant numbers. In 2021, there were 1,300 referrals. In 2022, there were 2,500 referrals. Last year, there were 4,100 referrals. This year's number will be in excess of that. Between 2021 and 2023, years for which we have the figures, there was a 300% increase in the number of referrals. The referrals are climbing rapidly. If the Deputy has specific concerns that have been raised with him, he should by all means bring them to me.

The unions have raised concerns with the HSE. My advice is that those concerns are not about the use of the medical assessment unit but are about objections in respect of the staffing rosters. If legitimate concerns are being raised with the Deputy and he shares them with me, I will be happy to go back to the HSE with them.

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