John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have the opportunity to raise some issues regarding the recently published HSE service plan. I thank Fianna Fáil for putting forward this motion, despite the fact the first sentence states the health services are under funded. It seems Fianna Fáil has no sense of shame or humility regarding the reason for the series of cuts over the past seven or eight years in funding for health services. This HSE service plan is particularly welcome because it sees the first increase in funding in that time and a substantial increase in funding is projected for the HSE in the year ahead.

I welcome the provision in the capital budget for the finishing of the new emergency department and medical assessment and endoscopy units in St. Luke's General Hospital in Kilkenny. It has always been a fantastic hospital, but many of its facilities are outdated.

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