Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are many units that operate at 100% in UHL and I want to pay tribute to the staff in every department, be the emergency department, oncology, the heart unit or the stroke unit.

It is a pity that Limerick is always in the news for it accident and emergency unit, the bad news story that comes out of that and that people are sometimes frightened to go there. People want to have a safe patient experience and there is the safety of the staff as well.

On the oncology unit, are there any plans to add that to the national centre? They are at such an advanced stage there. Is there any expansion with regard to that?

Regarding the HIQA report, I know that St. John's Hospital had a report I know the Minister is aware of and has on his desk, which is to do with replacement beds. These are 120 extra beds to replace the already existing beds in the hospital, so as to expand St. John's Hospital where more procedures could be carried out. The Minister might comment on that as well.