Averil Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Minister of State is replying on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly. However, I am disappointed with the reply provided for him which does not reflect the reality on the ground. While reference has been made to the additional posts allocated, they have been in the pipeline for some time and are not yet filled. The reply does not reflect the urgency of the crisis in terms of the number of people seeking access on a daily basis to the service and who cannot get it. It is cold comfort to them knowing that posts might eventually be filled. I ask the Minister of State to bring the attention of the Minister for to the letter from the GP which I read which points out that despite the work in train, the harsh reality is that patients cannot access services and that the community health team is not taking on new referrals. I ask that something be done about this immediately. As stated, while it is welcome that additional beds are being provided, the number of beds in the area will still be the second lowest in the country. Therefore, much more needs to be done. This matter requires a far greater response than that provided by way of the Minister of State on behalf of the Minister.