Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that on 28 November 2006 there were 274 people on trolleys according to the INO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41468/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by the Health Service Executive that, on the day mentioned by the Deputy, the number of patients awaiting admission nationally was 172. Of these, only one patient had been waiting longer than 24 hours. I understand that the reason for the discrepancy between the figures produced by the Irish Nurses Organisation and the HSE is that the figures are compiled at different times of the day. Information on daily activity levels in A & E departments is available on the HSE website.

Tackling the problems in A & E departments is the Government's top priority in health. Our objectives are to reduce the numbers waiting for admission, the time spent waiting for admission, and the turnaround time for those who can be treated in A & E and do not require admission.

A & E services have improved around the country. The improvements, particularly in Dublin, have been acknowledged by the INO. The HSE activity reports over recent months indicate a significant reduction in the average number of patients in A & E departments awaiting admission compared with the equivalent period in 2005. Waiting times for patients have also been reduced. The percentage of people waiting longer than 24 hours for admission has decreased from 13% in May to 6% in October. I wish to move to a position where no patient will wait longer than six hours to be admitted after a clinical decision to admit has been made.

To ensure that the improvements that have been achieved in recent months are sustained, particularly during the winter months, the HSE has introduced a broad-based Winter Initiative. Its purpose is to ensure that the services required to address the particular demands of the winter season are in place and operating optimally. It encompasses not just hospital services but also primary and community care services.

The actions and initiatives being taken by the HSE are designed to deliver the sustained improvement in A & E services that patients and their families deserve.