Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

It is a serious indictment of the health services. On 22 June last, 150 patients were on trolleys in ERHA hospitals. On 26 April, 160 were on trolleys in Dublin hospitals while on 26 February, the figure was 150. On 5 February, St. James's Hospital Dublin had to invoke a major incident plan due to overcrowding in accident and emergency. On 3 February, 207 patients were waiting on trolleys in Dublin accident and emergency units and the figure for 7 January was 179. The facts speak for themselves and belie the notion of an efficient health service. It is a mess.

It is ironic that this situation pertained while Ireland held the Presidency of the EU. Perhaps those on the Government side are confused by the fact that the Taoiseach held the Presidency and they have been using EU figures. I am talking about the Irish figures because the Irish Presidency finished today.