There is very serious overcrowding in Tullamore hospital at the moment. It is the largest hospital in the midlands region. A memo was sent around to staff stating that there was a black escalation, as I have been told by staff within the hospital. They were told that 35 inpatients are being accommodated in surge beds across the hospital, with a further 14 off-site in private medical beds. This is not the flu season or the depths of winter. It is happening in the middle of summer. I am told that it has been caused by increases in population and a parallel failure to increase facilities to cope with the extra numbers. Will the Taoiseach tell the Dáil today what he will put in place to deal with the crisis immediately? What long-term plan has the Government to make sure that this does not arise in the future?

Sentiment score: -0.05

I can get the details to the Minister today if she likes.

Sentiment score: 0.42