Health: There was sustained criticism of the Government's performance during the health debate at the ardfheis.
Larry O'Toole, Dublin North East, claimed a market-driven PD approach was being used.
"Nearly four years since the Government's health strategy was published, no progress has been made and the Tánaiste has not told us how she proposes to resolve the issue," he added.
John Dwyer, Wexford, said Sinn Féin was the only party seeking a health service which provided care for all. "The old adage that money talks now applies in the provision of a service which was once considered to be a basic human right," he said. "The simple fact is that you will not find millionaires lying on hospital trolleys."
Conor Ferguson, Meath, said Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, Co Meath, had just 100 beds to serve a county of 140,000 people. This represented one bed for ever 1,400 people. "Since 1999, Navan hospital has received only €6.2 million in funding," he added.
Imelda Munster, Louth, said that recently a Drogheda woman brought her injured daughter into the local hospital and was told she could be waiting five hours for treatment.
"Rather than wait the mother and daughter crossed the Border into Newry and the girl was examined, X-rayed and treated within 90 minutes."
