Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

Yesterday the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children declared the accident and emergency department crisis a "national emergency", having had two years to rectify the problem. In tandem with her statement yesterday, consultants were appointed to review acute hospital services in the west and mid-west, particularly in smaller hospitals. Professor Drumm, the head of the HSE, maintains that the Hanly report is Government policy. There is total confusion between the Minister and Professor Drumm. Is it any wonder concern is being expressed by hospital action groups throughout the State about the future of small hospitals?

The Minister expects there will be no more than a six-hour delay for patients in accident and emergency departments this time next year. This is two years after she declared waiting times in such departments would be eliminated. Will the Leader invite the Minister to the House to clarify this issue once and for all? The HSE has ordered reviews of hospital services despite the Minister calling for every element of the health service to be mobilised to eliminate the accident and emergency crisis.