Feargal Quinn (Independent)

A number of Senators have referred to the crisis in hospitals and the health service in general. It was probably the wrong date on which to do so but on 1 April last year, in an Adjournment debate, I stated that the Mater Hospital was working to its 510 bed capacity, some 80 to 120 of which were occupied by long-term patients who were suitable for discharge in that they did not require any further treatment but remained in the hospital because they had nowhere else to go. Moreover, I stated that the hospital was closing 115 beds.

I reiterate this point because, although we are patient and the former Minister for Health and Children told us last year that he was working to solve the problem and was coming up with answers, the crisis to which Senators Maurice and Brian Hayes referred today and which is in the headlines is one we must debate. The only way we will get action is if we ask the new Minister to come before the House. As a new Minister she has the opportunity to do something about the problems. She has plans but, before she finalises them, let us make sure we draw attention to the fact that something can be done in the short term. We cannot sit back, wait and be patient any longer.