Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is good to hear. In response to the Sláintecare proposals published earlier in the year, the Saolta University Health Care Group has indicated it believes the proposals must go further. After the options appraisal there is an ongoing debate in Galway in relation to Merlin Park versus University Hospital Galway. There a plans for a full move to Merlin Park, a partial one, and so on. That has muddied the water to a degree. I would rather there was a focus simply on healthcare in Galway and what is best, rather than have this competition, if you like, between certain elements in Saolta.

The Minister and his officials will be aware there was no mention of the ED on the list of projects on pages 141-142 of the NDP, much to my surprise and that of many people in the Saolta University Health Care Group. I am not sure if that was an oversight or whatever else. I put on record that I do not believe that means the project will not go ahead, or at least I hope it does not mean that, I should say. Maybe Mr. Watt, from his experience at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, will be able to say whether that Department will argue that because the ED is not listed on pages 141 -142 of the NDP it therefore is not a priority. That would be a concern. It is three years since the Minister's predecessor came to UHG and was promised by the Saolta University Health Care Group that planning permission for a new ED would be lodged by Christmas of that year. I appreciate the specification has changed but that is still not lodged. The facilities are inadequate. Former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, said, I would say back in 2015, that they were not fit for purpose back. The Taoiseach, when leader of the Opposition putting questions to him agreed, following a visit, that they were not fit for purpose. Everybody agrees they are not fit for purpose but there is such a delay on delivery. There is a delay even on lodging the planning application. We do not even know how that will go. I presume it will be positive because it is so needed. God behold anyone who objects to something as vital as that for Galway. This is so needed. Nurses are absolutely frustrated. They have done so much Trojan work during the pandemic. They are now decanting to temporary accommodation which will be open between April and July, as I understand it.

What is the update on the ED? I believe the Minister is committed to this but I would like to hear it from him. Will he commit to an emergency department on the grounds of UHG for the people of Galway and the west?