Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

I want to discuss the issues that pertain to my own constituency, in particular Limerick city and the mid-west, and in particular given the difficulties in accident and emergency services. The 24-hour accident and emergency service is now provided at Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, and a 24-hour service is no longer provided at Ennis and Nenagh hospitals. This was part of the reconfiguration process that commenced in 2009 and brought a large extra number of people through the doors of the accident and emergency unit at Limerick regional hospital. At the time, the money did not follow the patient and extra work was being carried out by the accident and emergency unit in Limerick.

Relative to other regions, the mid-west has not fared well, which is an issue I have raised consistently in recent times. I welcome the fact the Minister, Deputy Reilly, appointed a special delivery unit specifically to deal with Limerick regional hospital and allocated specific funding of €250,000 towards the end of last year. I further welcome the fact Ms Ann Doherty has been appointed by the HSE and the Minister as manager of the Mid-West Hospital Network, which effectively covers Limerick regional, Ennis and Nenagh hospitals. This shows the mid-west is getting the attention it deserves.

One of the consequences of the early retirement scheme for public servants is that people will be leaving the system by the end of February. We note media reports that 47 midwives out of a complement of 200 at Mid-Western Regional Maternity Hospital have indicated they will be availing of the retirement scheme. While we do not know the specific figures, that is the indication. This means over 20% of midwives in the hospital are leaving, which is a worry. Some 5,200 babies are born there every year and 6,000 women avail of maternity services. I note the Minister, Deputy Howlin's commitment that the issue of a lack of staff resulting from the retirement package will be given priority.

I ask the Minister to give top priority to the maternity hospital in Limerick. We are all parents. My four children were born at Mid-Western Regional Maternity Hospital, which provides excellent care and has terrific staff at both consultant and nursing-midwife level. I pay tribute to the work they do. This issue has been flagged early enough that it can be addressed by the Minister and the HSE, so we can have a sufficient compliment of midwives to ensure services are delivered.

On the overall issue of funding for the mid-west, when reconfiguration happened in 2009, the region was supposed to get extra funding for services at Limerick regional hospital but sufficient funding was not delivered. I am aware we live in difficult times. However, the mid-west and Limerick are entitled to fair consideration. Relative to other regions in the country, we have fared badly. I worry that the region will be penalised for making savings. Rewards should be given for efficiencies. Efficiencies have been driven in the mid west and Limerick over the past six months, if not longer.

I got a commitment from both the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, and the head of the HSE, Mr. Cathal Magee, that a review would be carried out in respect of funding for the mid west and I understand this is currently underway. As a Deputy for Limerick city, it is my view that we are entitled to our fair share relative to other regions in the country. We are looking for no more, no less. This is something I will continue to highlight.

Much great work has been done by the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and his colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, as they look to reforming the health service. Limerick has undergone rapid change in the recent period and we must ensure we have sufficient funding and personnel. That last is clearly given emphasis by the 47 midwives who are leaving by the end of February under the early retirement package in the public sector. I want a commitment to ensure there will be a sufficient complement of midwives at Limerick Regional Hospital on the Ennis Road, starting in early March. That is critical.

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