Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

Whatever the number, it has come to my attention through my local hospital in Sligo that not enough people avail of the treatment purchase fund, particularly in orthopaedics. In Sligo, we find people do not want to travel and this is why waiting lists are so long. We need a change of mind-set and must educate people that for the foreseeable future they must travel for emergency or immediate treatment. The Private Members' motion last week was tabled by the main Opposition party, Fine Gael. The Minister was in the House for two days last week, the only two days the House sat and there was every opportunity to raise any issue with her. She replied comprehensively.