Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It would be less challenging to merge units in Dublin or whatever. If a person is in dire need of help and is living in Wexford town, it can be a massive problem for them to have to go to Waterford. I understand the Government does not have a limitless supply of money but Wexford hospital has the infrastructure to house a 24-hour acute unit. The facility to provide for it is there. I understand it will cost money to put such a unit in place. The problem in this area will continue and it will increase. It is hard to credit that Wexford has the second highest suicide rate in country. It has one of the highest illiteracy rates and one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the country. We have an unemployment rate of just under 24%. It is an abandoned county. There are some serious challenges in the county. There are more challenges in the mental health and drug abuse areas than there are in most areas. The Minister should examine the prospect of putting a 24-hour acute unit in place in Wexford General Hospital. I do not know what it would cost but it is something he should consider.

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