I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 178 together.
Many of the difficulties and delays experienced in emergency medicine departments reflect system-wide issues. Therefore, in tackling the problems in emergency medicine departments, it is necessary to take a whole system approach involving primary care, acute care and sub-acute and community care.
Already the Government, over the last few years, has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at improving the delivery of acute services and alleviating the pressures on accident and emergency departments. I have previously said that the delivery of such services will be an area for particular attention during my term as Minister for Health and Children. I intend to identify the particular pressure points within the health system that affect the efficient delivery of emergency services. I will be working with the relevant authorities to ensure that the most pressing problems are addressed as a matter of urgency and, as such, I intend to introduce a package of measures to address these problems.