Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. The staff work very hard but staff morale is at an all-time low. It is a question of safety for the staff and the patients. Once most patients get into the system, they have an excellent experience, but it is about getting into the system. It is not acceptable. As Senator Conway said, there has been a lot of funding and new beds, but there is a problem and it needs an independent investigation to see what that problem is. It needs a fresh pair of eyes looking at the situation. Realistically, this cannot continue. I know other places have engagement with private hospitals, as we had during Covid, so they can use other beds or transfer patients. I believe there needs to be an outsider looking in to find new ways of doing things.