Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is no harm, just in case the Minister and his staff and the HSE conclude that Naas Hospital is not for mention in these circumstances. I could mention it a couple of times. I raised this as a Topical Issue matter last week when I acknowledged the progress made. I emphasise, however, that the proposed new units in Naas are an urgent necessity for the operation of the hospital. It is most important for the delivery of services to the catchment area that the programme in the oncology and endoscopy units is accelerated as much as possible.

My last question, which is on the degree to which the health services generally are prepared to cater for a major emergency, has not been answered for some years, as far as I am aware. I compliment the health services on the manner in which they dealt with the circumstances that arose last winter. Sacrifices were made and staff in the various hospitals doubled up and stayed over. Tremendous work was done. More serious emergencies could occur. As is clear from international news reports, such emergencies arise daily. We do not know what kind of emergency might arise. The question is the extent to which we can now deal with a major natural or national disaster.