Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I propose an amendment that, following the Order of Business, statements on the current crisis in accident and emergency facilities in all Dublin acute hospitals take place. It would be wrong for the House not to debate that crucial matter. Two years ago, the Government set out a health strategy and gave a firm commitment that it would solve the ongoing crisis in the accident and emergency departments of all the Dublin acute hospitals. Two years later, that has not happened. At least the Minister for Health and Children had the good grace to admit last weekend that the promise in the national development plan to end all waiting lists by 2004 would not be fulfilled and that it should not have been made in the first place. We face a frightening situation as we go into the worst part of the winter, with the possibility of a flu epidemic. Every accident and emergency facility in this city is crowded with people who have to wait for up to five days. Last night a woman in my constituency said that people were being treated like animals not by our doctors or nurses, but by the Government. It is a disgrace. I ask that the House have a full debate on this issue as a matter of urgency. The Minister for Health and Children and the Government have produced countless reports. We are not seeing any net change or improvement for ordinary PAYE workers. It is a disgrace. The House urgently needs a debate on the matter.