Donie Cassidy (Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this important matter. For the past ten years or more, phase 2B of Longford-Westmeath General Hospital has been a bone of contention to the people of the area it serves. As Deputy for County Westmeath for almost four years, I wish to ensure that the Government continues to make progress in its commitment to this vital service in the midlands. I welcome the vital steps that have already been taken in progressing phase 2B. I thank the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, for the commitment she has given and the Taoiseach for taking a personal interest in the first part of phase 2B, which involves the shelled out section at Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar.

An announcement was made last month that preparations were at an advanced stage for the tendering process. This has been advertised in the EU Journal, in which a prior indicative notice, PIN, was published. The scope of the tender is for the fit-out of the existing shelled wards, refurbishment of the existing wards and associated works, and the construction of new surface car parks and associated external works. This is an important step in the development of the facilities at Longford-Westmeath General Hospital. The efforts made by public representatives of all political parties in the area are paying off at least. To leave a shelled out building in any area for ten years causes anxiety and raises many questions.

Thankfully, the population in this area is increasing massively. I became a Member of the Oireachtas in 1982 at which time there was widespread unemployment, emigration and despair. There is now practically full employment and no forced emigration, and young people can get married and rear their own families in the area in which they grew up. It is heartening to hear that the work at the hospital in Mullingar will be completed in the space of eight to ten months. I acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the design team, architects and former members of the former Midland Health Board, of which I was a member for 18 years.

The services and facilities at Mullingar Hospital are second to none. The staff, including consultants, nursing staff and personal assistants, is excellent. Anybody who has been a patient there or has had a family member there will be only too well aware of the great facilities. I particularly welcome the establishment of the new baby care unit in recent months. I also welcome the new dermatology service to be provided. Approval has been received to fill the consultant dermatologist post and it will be advertised in coming weeks. This will be important for the people of the area as I understand 450 patients are on a waiting list for this service. I thank all concerned in progressing these developments.

I look forward to the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, informing the House as to when phase 2B will go to tender. Will he give an assurance whether the contract will be for eight or ten months? Will penalty clauses be inserted to ensure the work is completed in that timeframe?

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