Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the clarification, as there has been misinformation or slightly skewed information. I welcome the Minister’s intention to proceed to design stage in 2016 for a new emergency department in Galway. Obviously, there is a nursing shortfall, which I understand is worldwide. Will the Minister clarify the provision of additional facilities in Galway such as the 75-bed ward which is under construction, the 30 extra beds planned for the old physio ward which are due for delivery in early spring and the 14 beds to be provided in Merlin Park University Hospital in May? These additional facilities will help to ease overcrowding in the coming months. The emergency department is still a significant issue and the staff in it do a tremendous job in difficult circumstances.

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