Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

The Minister, Deputy Harney, has been in office for 19 months and things could not have got worse. She spoke about magic wands when she was appointed but if there ever was a need for a magic wand, it is now. She has managed to make the accident and emergency services crisis worse and has finally admitted that it is a national emergency. Approximately 400 people were on trolleys recently and many of them were afraid to go to the toilet in case their beds were taken. We have also heard the stories about patients being left on chairs in hospitals.

I have travelled a little since I was elected to the Seanad. I have been in African countries and one would not expect such a service there. The worst aspect——