Select quotes from exchanges in Dáil Éireann yesterday.

This national emergency is driven by a sense of political desperation. The Minister for the Environment can smirk all he likes

- Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny (above) on the A & E crisis

I was thinking of Deputy Kenny's 30 years in the Dáil.

- Dick Roche, Minister for the Environment

. . . it is no joke for the 384 people lying on trolleys today.

- Mr Kenny

I am laughing at Deputy Kenny's smugness. Deputy Kenny is the only joke here. Thirty years with nothing to show for it.

- Mr Roche