Brian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for her very comprehensive response and for the indication of support for the home care services and the capital expansion plan. The argument the board advances for the capital expansion plan is that if the hospice was properly funded on a year to year operational basis, it could direct the €1.5 million that it consistently raises through the generosity of the people of Galway, on the new capital programme. As I said when I made my earlier contribution, the existing facility was funded entirely through fundraising. The figures are available and cannot be disputed. There is a clear inequality vis-À-vis hospice facilities in the western region. I hope the Minister of State will be able to use her influence with the HSE to have that inequality addressed.

I thank the Minister of State for her response and the positive elements in regard to the home care service and her support for the capital funding of the proposed expansion.

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