Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge Senator Conway's contribution this morning. Let me assure him that the Minister, Deputy Harris, and his officials will continue to monitor the performance of the emergency department. Members of the Oireachtas are concerned about the significant numbers attending emergency departments, particularly during the winter months. This puts major pressure on hospital staff. It is heart-wrenching to hear personal stories, be they on the radio or the television of people having to wait for lengthy periods, feeling that they are not progressing up the list. Let me assure the Senator that even in St. James's Hospital in my constituency, I know the staff are dedicated to implementing the programme of the HSE to be able to deal with the incoming patients at this time of the year. However, even after the significant investment in University Hospital Limerick, there seems to be other problems that need to be ironed out. I will bring this to the Minister's attention and I will ask him to reply personally to Senator Conway.