Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)

I ask the Minister to give a further commitment of funding for non-emergency patient services. In my constituency, Arklow Cancer Support is an example of a charity doing incredible work providing a wonderful transport service for vulnerable cancer patients to and from appointments. It operates on a shoestring and spends a huge amount of time and effort on fund-raising. All the measures we have discussed will put less pressure on Wexford hospital, which provides an excellent service in the south east but is stretched. Although this issue is under the remit of the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, I must point out that the lack of acute mental health services is a real issue in the south east.

The measures I outlined will put less pressure on Wexford hospital.

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