Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I will take this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I thank Deputies Michael Smith and Hoctor for raising this matter as it provides me with an opportunity to outline to the House the Government's commitment to the continued development of services at Nenagh General Hospital and continued provision of high quality, safe acute hospital services to the people of north Tipperary.

In recent years, funding of €2 million has been provided to facilitate the extension of existing buildings and significant refurbishment of existing facilities. A sum of €750,000 has been spent on the refurbishment and upgrading of mechanical and electrical services and additional ultrasound equipment has been purchased at a cost of €200,000. In addition, space has been protected on the Nenagh campus for the proposed future provision of a geriatric assessment-rehabilitation unit and approval has been given to the development of a health centre-community care headquarters.

The next capital development project at Nenagh hospital comprises an extension to the laboratory, radiology and accident and emergency departments and provision of a CT scanner. The estimated capital cost of this project is in excess of €2 million and the project has been progressed through planning stages. I understand tenders for the work have been sought and I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that approval has been given to proceed with the extension to the accident and emergency department and laboratory. However, the extension of the radiology department and provision of CT scanning will require the provision of additional revenue funding and staffing. It will not be possible to proceed with this aspect of the project until the required additional revenue and staffing can be identified.

In summary, the planning process has commenced for the further development of facilities at Nenagh General Hospital. The national hospitals office will continue to work with the HSE mid-western region to identify the revenue required for the radiology department and CT aspects of this project.

The Government is committed to the continued development of services at Nenagh General Hospital. We have provided for developments at the hospital in the past and are committed to continuing the investment in services at Nenagh. Nenagh General Hospital will continue to play its part in providing services for the people of north Tipperary.

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