Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Gloster and his team are very welcome here this morning. It will come as no surprise to them that I will use my time this morning to talk about the mid-west and specifically about UHL. Last year, before Mr. Gloster's time, a major incident was declared at UHL on 2 January. It was a particularly frightening experience for many vulnerable people in the Clare, Limerick and Tipperary area. Since we are discussing winter readiness, I would like to hear specifics on the plans for UHL and how we are going to avoid a similar situation arising next January. Is Mr. Gloster confident that this time around we will not be in a situation where we have to declare a major incident? I would like to hear specifics on additional funding and additional capacity through the winter programme. What has been retained in the region from private providers? Perhaps Mr. Gloster could provide details on that.