With regard to the programme for Government's reference to building capacity for emergency and acute services, which is geared at reducing the number patients on trolleys, there is a four-pronged approach, each of which prongs I could discuss with the Tánaiste in detail demonstrating how it is not having a positive impact in reducing the numbers of patients on trolleys. I do not have the time to do that today, however. The problem affects Naas hospital, in my constituency, and the feeder hospitals of Tallaght and Blanchardstown. What is the Government doing to achieve better delivery in this area? Trolley Watch shows there are 303 people on trolleys today. This is 23% more than for the very same time last year. This is a considerable issue, as the Tánaiste is aware, and we need action and delivery for the people directly affected.

Data from the HSE TrolleyGAR indicate that there was an improvement nationally from January to early May. The Deputy is correct that there has been an increase in trolley numbers since May. This is due to a series of factors, including an increase in emergency department attendances, elective activity and delayed discharges in certain hospitals. The figures remain too high; there is no question of that. The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE to identify measures across all hospitals to reduce overcrowding and drive those key implementation measures, which the Deputy referenced, aimed at reducing trolley numbers and improving patient experience and access to care in our emergency departments.