Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)

During the week, the HIQA report on the inadequate accident and emergency services at University Hospital Limerick was published after HIQA had considered the matter for 16 months - it took 16 months to produce the report. The report told us what we had already been telling the Government for several years. It refers to a significant inpatient bed deficit in University Hospital Limerick and a growing demand for services, which continues to grow strongly. This is all presenting a risk to patient safety, and I can quote many cases where it actually compromised patient safety. The report concludes by saying that urgent action and investment are needed. I understand what the Minister said in his previous reply to my colleague. Nevertheless, I ask the Minister to assure us that there will be no avoidable delay. This report was undertaken as a result of a meeting that Deputy Cathal Crowe and I had with the previous Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly. We told him there was no need for a report but, nevertheless, it has taken 16 months and the situation continues to worsen.

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