Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 303: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the serious overcrowding in recent weeks in the accident and emergency unit at Naas General Hospital, Naas, County Kildare; the way in which she intends to improve matters at the hospital prior to autumn 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1877/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Responsibility for the provision of services at Naas General Hospital rests with the executive. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief officer of the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the position regarding this case and reply to the Deputy directly.

I have identified the delivery of accident and emergency services as a priority area for attention. I have announced a ten point action plan on accident and emergency services which is being financed with €70 million current funding and €10 million capital funding. My Department is liaising with the HSE to progress the implementation of the plan.