John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the opportunity to take part in this important debate. I also welcome the Minister of State and echo the regret that a Seanad scheduling conflict did not allow the Tánaiste's attendance.

There is a great deal that must be said about the challenges facing us in the accident and emergency situation, but a politically hostile environment is not the most appropriate context in which to discuss them if the interests of the patient are to be served. I intend to follow the standard approach adopted by the Tánaiste and the Progressive Democrats, namely, put the patient first and take constructive criticism and suggestions on legislation and policy.

There are problems but let us not waste time stating the obvious. Approximately ten accident and emergency departments in this country have consistent difficulties. Of the 53 acute public hospitals and 35 accident and emergency units, it is ten too many. Our accident and emergency services will be improved, as they must, hospital by hospital because the public rightly demands it and patients deserve it. Each of the ten accident and emergency units with persistent problems is being addressed urgently by the HSE. It knows what is required, namely, solutions for patients through better use of the increased resources. Patients must be seen faster at accident and emergency departments and must have real alternatives to these units both in the evenings and, importantly, in the daytime. This is what is needed rather than the standard call for more resources.

In politics, it is standard practice for opposing parties to portray the same facts differently. I have no problem with that. When a poll says that 75% of people are happy, some will say one in four are discontent. What is important is not the interpretation, but what one proposes to do with the information or how it helps or hinders problem solving. Problem solving is predicated on the accurate assessment of the current situation.

Objectivity is a particular problem when it comes to health services. As such, today's statements are welcome.

An article in last weekend's edition of The Sunday Business Post stated:

[T]here is little attention given to the good news in health — cancer and cardiac services have seen massive improvements, new hospital units are opening all the time and health sector workers have benefitted from benchmarking deals.

Instead, headline stories about delays in breast screening in the south and north west mask the existence of a high quality service being rolled-out in the midlands and the south east. The stories fail to mention that it is not money, but a shortage of radiographers, that is delaying the continuing rollout nationwide.

This debate will provide a good illustration to the electorate as to whether problem assessment and, more importantly, solution skills have developed among the would-be Government parties. Will they follow, lamb-like, down the well-trodden and fruitless path, or will they surprise us? Will they mimic the shameful personalised campaign of others against a Minister who works tirelessly with, as the aforementioned article noted, "a huge bureaucratic organisation grappling with a massive reform agenda and a struggling infrastructure" or will they reveal a secret enlightened and nuanced side? Members will see as the debate continues.

The Government has given top priority in policy and funding to improving accident and emergency services and the diverse range of factors that contribute to difficulties and delays experienced in that regard. As I noted, the Government and the HSE are addressing all such factors in a determined and patient-centred manner. Members should be crystal clear that all the suggestions made thus far by the Opposition to improve accident and emergency services are already being implemented.