Ms Mary Day:

I thank the Senator. With regard to the surgical hubs, correctly, Limerick is one of the locations which has been selected as a surgical hub. Currently, we are undertaking options appraisals to ensure that the correct site is identified. We are working very closely with the CEO and with the regional estates person down in the mid-west. Once we have that options appraisal completed, that preferred site will undergo the process regarding the development of the hubs. However, as Mr. Tierney from the Department of Health said, the ambition is to move these hubs along and expedite them within the next 15 to 18 months, so there is a significant focus on it.