Averil Power (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply and acknowledge that there has been an increase in short-stay convalescent beds in the area, which is very positive. I also welcome the review of D-Doc and hope it leads to improvements in the service, given that it has great potential to deflect patients from Beaumont accident and emergency. However, as I pointed out, and the Minister acknowledged, the rapid increase in the number of older people in the area is causing particular pressures. While the design is open to discussion, everybody agrees there is a need for a new, far larger accident and emergency department. I am disappointed the Government has not committed to funding it and I will keep pushing for it.