Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have two questions for my colleagues in Limerick, Professor Colette Cowan, CEO of the University Limerick hospital group, and Mr. Bernard Gloster, CEO of the health service in the mid-west. Can Professor Cowan give me an update on the 96 acute-bed block, which is being funded through the capital plan?

Funding was achieved to allow the design to proceed. What is its current status? What is the timeframe? When will it be built? Will the witnesses give an indication that it will be built alongside the existing accident and emergency department, the new ED and above the dialysis unit?

I have discussed at length and over a long period with both the HSE and the Minister, Deputy Harris, the building of 16 modular builds - temporary builds - at University Hospital Limerick. What is their current status in terms of the planning process? From the point of view of logistics, and subject to funding forthcoming, when does the HSE expect to be ready to start building it, and how long will it take? I think what people in Limerick and the mid-west really need is certainty surrounding bed capacity. We have an issue of bed capacity in Limerick and the mid-west.

I wish to ask Mr. Bernard Gloster about St. Camillus Community Hospital. Once again, it is a matter of bed capacity. What is the current status of the €50 million St. Camillus project? Will Mr. Gloster give me an indication of the timeframe? I believe we in Limerick specifically occupy a unique position in the country. The Chairman will be aware of this. We have a bed capacity issue. It is a key issue apart from everything else. Ms Cowan and Mr. Gloster might deal with both those points for me.