Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with colleagues on the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and MS Ireland. I support their requests. They were before us last week. I know Mr. Gloster has envisaged the CHO 2 team will hopefully be filled this year or early next year, depending on recruitment. Where does he envisage the team will be based? I presume he is talking about all together in one location.

I am sure Mr. Gloster is aware of the plans for Galway. There are four main asks in respect of the emergency department and maternity and paediatric facility, new labs, a cancer centre and an elective hospital. We have lost valuable years in debate in Galway about what we are doing regarding this brand new hospital. As I have said before and said in Galway, I can see for the first time that Saolta has a clear vision of what it wants in Galway. I welcome that. However, the situation at present is cancer patients are in competition with others for beds.

It is not good enough. The witnesses have talked about all the plans in Limerick in regard to planning permission and it being under construction, but I am afraid we do not have that in Galway, where we have a lot of discussion and delay. I know this is for the Department of Health more than for the HSE, but there must be a clear focus on the delivery of those projects that we can deliver. I am not sure what engagement Mr. Gloster has had since he started in regard to the Saolta Hospital Group and its plans.