Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We hear harrowing and heartbreaking testimonials on a daily basis from patients who are enduring long delays in accident and emergency departments in many parts of the country. I recently read with interest that the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, is planning to introduce a number of measures with a view to alleviating the current pressures on accident and emergency departments throughout the country. Some would say that is long overdue.

One of the measures being talked about is a proposal to reduce the €100 fee for attending injury units to €75. It is hoped that will encourage more people to use injury units rather than going to accident and emergency departments in different parts of the country. I for one would be in favour of that. As the Leader knows, there are 11 injury units located the length and breadth of the country, one of which is located in my county, Monaghan. It is an excellent service and the staff there are doing a fantastic job. They can treat many illnesses, from a sprain to a scald or broken bone. They can do X-rays, sutures and many things for which people tend to go to accident and emergency departments.

I am glad to report that the numbers using the facility in Monaghan are on the increase, but I am disappointed to learn that its opening hours are the most restricted of the 11 units in the country. It is something which needs to be examined. I would like the Leader to confirm that the admission fee for these units will be reduced by €25. He might tell us when these measures will be introduced because we all know many of our citizens are suffering needlessly in corridors and on trolleys the length and breadth of the country as they try to seek treatment for their illnesses.