Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 215: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to deal with the crisis at accident and emergency departments in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26791/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Many of the difficulties and delays experienced in emergency medicine departments reflect system-wide issues. It is, therefore, necessary to take a whole-system approach involving primary care, acute care and sub-acute and community care in tackling the problems in emergency medicine departments. This Government has already during the past few years, introduced initiatives aimed at improving the delivery of acute services and alleviating the pressures on accident and emergency departments.

I have previously said the delivery of accident and emergency services will be an area for particular attention during my term as Minister for Health and Children. I intend to identify the particular pressure points within the health system that affect the efficient delivery of emergency services and to address them in the context of the Estimates process.