Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

In terms of the items that are being raised, I do not blame the Minister of State for having to take this Adjournment debate but, as I said to my colleague, Deputy Ring, this is becoming a bit of a joke. One wishes to raise serious matters and, in my constituency, this is a very serious problem. As I said at the outset, this hospital is an essential part of the fabric of the greater Dún Laoghaire area and complements the very worthwhile services provided at St. Vincent's Hospital. As I also stated, over 6,000 operations are carried out in St. Michael's each year. The fact that it is increasingly moving towards day ward services is an essential part of the infrastructure in our health service.

If anything happens to this hospital, it will be a very serious matter in respect of the proper advancement of St. Vincent's as one of the key centres of excellence for the Dublin area so I appeal through the Minister of State. The funds are necessary. I understand that the board is in a position to go to tender in the very near future. There is talk about work commencing in October but given the current mess in the finances of this country, I am afraid that this matter will be put on the long finger. Having listed some of the matters contained in the report, everybody would agree that, in the interests of patient care and to prevent further illnesses arising from the lack of facilities, it is vitally important that this matter is dealt with urgently.

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