Hospital Overcrowding
Dail Éireann — 2025-12-09
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Mary Butler (FF), Waterford

I thank Deputy Farrelly for raising Naas General Hospital and the challenges we are seeing right across the country at the moment in terms of the surge in presentations, in particular older people, relating to flu.
I heard Bernard Gloster, the chief executive of the HSE, say quite clearly on Sunday that if people are very unwell, they need to present to hospital. It is especially true for older people in relation to flu. I will also take this opportunity to encourage people to take the flu vaccine as well. That is really important because we are seeing a huge surge of presentations.
I could talk about waiting list initiatives and that but that will not help the Deputy out at the moment. Under the 2025 plan, Naas General Hospital has completed works, including an 11-bed acute medical assessment unit and an emergency department admissions discharge lounge. They were some capital projects that have completed. I take on board what Deputy Farrelly is saying. With the size of the population in Kildare, the fact it is the only model three hospital in that area means there is a huge amount of demand. I will give the Deputy a commitment on the floor of the Dáil that I will speak to the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to see what more supports can be provided for the hospital. I look forward to seeing the announcement in relation to where some of this national development plan health capital allocation of €1.56 billion for 2026 goes. I will certainly relay the Deputy's concerns to the Minister.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-12-09/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:26+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-09