Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State addressed some of the issues I raised in my opening remarks.

I was aware that there were plans for a second consultant post. The Minister of State confirmed that there is funding for it. When is that likely to happen? Is the recruitment under way or when will it begin? When can we expect to see that second consultant? While the consultant is to be based in the Longford-Westmeath part of the region, the appointment will improve matters in Laois and Offaly because one consultant will be able to dedicate himself or herself to palliative care for the counties of Laois and Offaly.

The Minister of State said research suggests we need a 16-bed unit. As far back as 2001, this was flagged in the report from the national advisory committee on palliative care. The report stated that we needed such a centre and also set out other matters that needed to be addressed. We need to provide this unit now. It is important to do so at a human level, but there are economic and management reasons for doing it also. Some 6,000 plus bed days are being taken up with patients who should be in palliative care. The unit would free up these beds. The Minister of State does not need me to tell her how bad things are in these acute hospitals, and that beds need to be freed up. That is not the primary concern here. The human need is the biggest concern but we must address this aspect also.

When can we expect recruitment of the second consultant and to see him or her in place? Why is there such a continuing low level of investment? I want the Minister of State to address why the spending on providing palliative care in the region is down at €9 per person when it is €30 per person in other areas. Why is each county not served by a full community multidisciplinary palliative service? It is recommended each county should such a service. Why is there not even a firm plan in place at this stage?

The HSE has substantial land resources in all four counties. Why is there not a plan in place already to locate this proposed unit? Why are we not progressing with these plans? Around the country, the Minister of State knows that they are either in place or are being progressed.

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