Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will give the Deputy three reasons. First, other parts of the country do not have cath lab facilities even of the standard in Waterford. If we establish a modular lab in Waterford, what about other parts of the country that have longer waiting lists? How can we tell people in the north west that they should wait until the national review has been completed but people in the south east can have a modular lab in the meantime? I need to analyse the issue and examine the facts. I have my Department doing some work on that.

The second issue is staffing. Can the modular lab be staffed? This is a legitimate issue.

The third is the turnaround time for putting a modular lab in place. The indications I have heard from some local representatives do not tally with the timeline I am hearing from the HSE as to how long it would take to put a modular lab in place. I will give the Deputy a commitment that I will in the next few weeks arrange to meet representatives of the south east.