Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Minister of State's upfront and frank appraisal of the situation. I accept that the 2040 project is there and 96 beds have been promised. I know the hospital will move quickly and I hope those beds can be provided even more quickly. However, something needs to happen in the interim. It is not enough to say that every effort is being made. I am not having a pop at the Minister of State but it is not acceptable to say every effort is being made and we will do our best because that does not cut it with the people who see the numbers rising every day as the situation develops.

The 2040 project and the moneys included in it will take two to three years to take effect. A staffing cohort will have to be put in place. That is a futuristic solution for people who are suffering today and will be for the next 12, 18 or 24 months. We need an urgent intervention. We need to sweat the asset at it stands and, unfortunately, I do not see that happening. It has not happened to date and that is why I want an independent expert review. We can all learn from experts and get a better understanding of a situation and learn to better manage the problem. The Minister of State and I know full well what the problem is, as do the people on the trolleys and their families. Quite frankly, the solution to resolve the problem right now is not there. The solution is designed for the future. As is always the way with the Department, it suggests there is a solution for the future, population will grow, etc. What we want is decisive intervention now that gives some chance of a dignified medical response to people from the region who have no choice but to attend the accident and emergency unit.