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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Cork University Hospital trolley claim

Summary

Deputy Healy-Rae complained about trolley numbers and suggested patients were moved before the Taoiseach’s visit to Cork University Hospital. The Taoiseach replied that his visit was to open new paediatric facilities and he had no knowledge of trolleys being wheeled out.

Over €900 million has been added to the health budget again this year. People are languishing on trolleys, however, and waiting in accident and emergency units, and the number on trolleys has not reduced. The Taoiseach visited Cork University Hospital last Monday evening. Before his arrival, many trolleys were wheeled out of the accident and emergency unit into various wards. The usual number was two to each ward. Why did that happen? Who is accountable? Who are those concerned trying to fool? Were they trying to cod the Taoiseach? Were they afraid of the Taoiseach? What will he do about it? Managers, as we found out during last Thursday's debate, are not accountable to the Minister for Health. I ask the Taoiseach to change the system and make them accountable. If elected representatives in the House cannot do something for the people who elect us, we should not be here at all. Managers need to be brought to account. I am asking the Taoiseach to do just that. What was done in Cork last Monday evening was shameful.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I also went to see the works done at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, to which the Government is contributing €30 million. Those concerned are getting ready for the Kerry people on 3 July this year. They will have a brand-new stadium and it will be an occasion of great excitement.

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The people on trolleys do not have much interest in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I was in Cork University Hospital last week.

The purpose of my visit to Cork University Hospital was to open the new paediatric unit stage 1 - a fabulous building, wonderfully laid out, with brilliant colours and brightness for children who will be there; a cystic fibrosis unit; a unit to deal with diabetes; and so many other treatment rooms of a world-class standard. I was not near the accident and emergency unit. I have no knowledge of what the Deputy is saying about trolleys being wheeled out. There was quite a big crowd there that was very enthusiastic. I might say that they are looking forward to getting a contribution from Government for phase 2 of the development, with which they will be ready to go shortly, and I said to them that it would be included as part of the review of the capital programme in due course. As to the area that I was in, there are first class, wonderful facilities - long overdue, indeed - for the staff and the nurses and the children who will be in that unit.

I will investigate the Deputy's claim about trolleys being moved. They certainly were not moved for me.

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