Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Deputy Durkan and the Chairman on that issue. I am glad that Dr. Henry assured us that some work has been done to examine the matter but it needs to be kept under close observation.

I checked the INMO trolley count and learned that there are 124 people on trolleys in University Hospital Limerick this morning but we have not reached October yet. Clearly, the issues in Limerick are ongoing. We had a situation during the summer when the numbers were regularly at 110 or 120 people on trolleys. The numbers are quite concerning because we have not yet reached the very difficult period.

I thank both delegations for coming here and I have a couple of questions for them. Can they give an update on whether there are new upgraded or newly developed procedure protocols at the accident and emergency unit in UHL? Are there further plans to further develop the offerings, supports and services in Ennis and Nenagh hospitals? What is the status of the business case for the proposed second 96-bed block for Limerick?

I appreciate that some commissioning work has happened already in conjunction with the first 96 bed-block under construction. Is completion of that block on, ahead of or behind schedule? In essence, I would like a quick update on the immediate situation at the accident and emergency department in Limerick, and then an idea of where we are at with the capital construction and proposed construction of the next 96-bed block.