Mr. Tony O'Brien:

I did have notice of the issue and am happy to deal with it. Primary PCI, the service to which the Deputy is referring, is a new development under the acute coronary syndromes programme. Four centres have already been developed. The HSE, with the Mid-Western Regional Hospital group, has invested significantly in the development of cardiology services at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital. It now has five cardiologists, which represents a significant improvement.

The decision on whether to authorise this service at that centre is primarily one of quality and safety. The clinical lead has indicated that he will carry out the inspection within the next three weeks. The outcome will determine whether we proceed to commence the service.