Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to raise this very important matter as regards CAT scanner equipment at South Tipperary General Hospital. The Minister for Health and Children has some serious questions to answer on this whole issue.

Why is this vitally important equipment being housed in a prefab? Several years ago people in south Tipperary held a large number of very successful fundraising events to buy the CAT scanning equipment. However, it was housed in a prefab and there are difficulties. I recently visited the hospital to see at first-hand patients being carried over on trolleys to use the equipment. The staff are at a serious disadvantage on the whole issue. Union agreement is not in place because no consensus can be reached as regards the temporary structure. It is therefore essential that a new building is put in place.

Recently a transfer of services took place between Clonmel and Cashel. At all stages everybody in south Tipperary had accepted and waited for the time when a new building would be available. In that event, a union agreement could be put in place which would allow people to work the CAT scanner 24 hours a day. Instead patients are being sent to Waterford while the equipment stands idle at certain times of the night and at weekends. It is therefore essential that this equipment be properly located.

Whenever I raise this matter, as I have done many times, even in the Seanad, I was told it was a matter for the health board. I hope the Minister of State will have some positive information in this regard or that he can tell me at what stage in the future this issue will be addressed by the Government.

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