Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The big problem in the southern region is that it has been slow in getting funding for any project. As a result, people must travel to Dublin to gain access to many services. In Dublin, there are many more independent hospitals. They have been able to get access to funding whereas we have not had the same opportunities in Cork. A simple example is that while planning permission has been secured for a new paediatric unit in Cork, we are now being told it will be another four to five years before funding is even considered. To what extent will each RHA have independence in prioritising capital projects? What funding will they be provided with for such projects?