Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State. It is disappointing to see that the Minister is not here today. I would love to see these issues raised with her. I am leaving it with the Minister of State and the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach to ensure these issues are raised with the Minister. To be clear, the substantial investment the Minister of State talked about is not enough.

The minor injuries unit and the MRI scanners are only examples of what we have to deal with in Monaghan. Similarly, both CT scanners for Cavan and Monaghan Hospital are in Cavan. The people of Monaghan have been left behind. The provision of an MRI and a CT scanner in Monaghan would contribute to alleviating the huge waiting lists in Cavan. I am giving the Minister of State a solution. I could also speak of the many other services in a similar situation. I appreciate the Minister of State is new to her office. I hope she can consider what I say to her today. She always says to bring solutions to the problem, so I am bringing one. The people in Monaghan and across this State cannot afford to endure more broken promises from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, which have not tackled any of the waiting lists. I heard the Minister for Health conducted a spot-check in the emergency room in University Hospital Limerick recently. I would like her to do the same in Cavan and Monaghan. She should come and do a spot-check and see how overcrowded the hospital in Cavan is and how doctors and nurses are at their wits' end. It is unsafe. Something needs to be done. I am giving the Minister a solution to the problem - put the proper equipment into Monaghan hospital and that will reduce waiting lists. This is needed in Monaghan for the restoration in full of each service taken away by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael with the promise of an efficient health service, which the Minister's party has failed to deliver. Will the Minister make a commitment? Finally-----

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