Dee Ryan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minster of State for coming to see us this morning and delivering that message. I agree with him on acknowledging the significant investment that has been made in recent years. I also acknowledge the huge work being done by the newly appointed regional executive of HSE Mid West, Sandra Broderick, Bernard Gloster, head of the HSE, and indeed the Minister, who has focused on weekend discharging. I wish the CEO of the hospital, Ian Carter, the very best in the work he is doing, which we are hearing is bearing fruit. However, unfortunately we are fighting fire when in the mid-west when it comes to healthcare. We have only one accident and emergency department to deal with all the issues that occur in the entire region, including the ones that can be foreseen or projected in terms of age groups and the ones that are unforeseen, like accidents. We are under immense pressure so we need additional focus from the Minister to get us through this winter.