14. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health for an update on the planned redevelopment of the emergency department at Beaumont Hospital, including the current status of the design and planning stages and projected timeline for tendering and construction; to confirm that the project remains a priority within the HSE capital plan; the expected opening date of the new emergency department; the expected opening date of the proposed 95 bed block; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5027/26]

Sentiment score: -0.25

First, I thank the hardworking women and men of Beaumont Hospital. When I was in fifth year, I was extremely unwell and they looked after me and cared for me. When my mother suffered a polytrauma, they looked after me. However, thousands of constituents are contacting me about the accident and emergency department. Recently, I visited Patricia Anderson from Riverside whose husband spent 14 hours in a chair and then two months later would not go to the accident and emergency department. Sadly, he passed away in the driveway of his house. The current accident and emergency department is an absolute shambles. We need an update on the plans for redevelopment and expansion so northsiders can get the proper treatment they deserve.

Sentiment score: -0.28

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Aontaím go hiomlán leí. Especially when the investment has gone in, there is a CT scanner and people are waiting, that needs to be looked at. In the words of Patricia Anderson, nothing can bring her husband back. However, she would love to see the delays in the emergency department and the ambulance system change. I thank the doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, porters, cleaners and administrative staff and the carers of north Dublin. Beaumont Hospital is one of the most important hospitals in Ireland for head injuries and its emergency department, as the Minister acknowledged, is under extreme strain. Communities across Coolock, Artane, Clontarf, Raheny, Donaghmede and beyond deserve more than what is currently being made available. Speaking of taking pressure off the hospital, staff of Northside Home Care Services, who are in the Public Gallery, are currently on strike looking for pay parity. During the recession, they were promised their situation would be sorted out in the deal. Now, they sadly are on strike. They do not take it lightly. However, if the HSE can pay for staff to cover, why can it not pay the correct amount to these men and women? Seven of these men and women from the Northside Home Care Services went into a homeless hub while working and they continue to help the men and women of north Dublin. Their situation needs to be sorted out. I thank them for everything they do for the people of north Dublin.

Sentiment score: 0.05

Speaking to the current system in Beaumont and hospitals across Ireland, a lot of the time qualified healthcare staff are caught up in administrative roles when that could easily be automated. There are many things across the public sector that could be automated. We have systems now with generative AI, which can store data and automate systems to speed up the efficiency of these systems. Having people walking around with reports who are qualified and could be serving and helping with patients is not efficient. We can look at how China and Japan are currently dealing with their hospital systems. Deputy Ó Muirí and myself attended the launch of the report, and the current change in the systems for Beaumont will change and help lives. On the Northside Home Care Services, agreement was reached with the ICTU unions. They do the same work and carry the same responsibility except they are facing extreme emotional and physical demands. They want to get back to work. These men and women are facing discrimination. I appreciate the Minister said she would get back to myself and Deputy Ó Muirí. It is extremely purposeful.

Sentiment score: 0.21