Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to ask the Taoiseach a specific question in regard to the Programme for a Partnership Government. In that, there is a reference to the building of capacity in our emergency departments and, in particular, there is a reference to opening the new accident and emergency department in Limerick regional hospital. The accident and emergency department in that hospital is one of the busiest in the country. It is frequently overcrowded and is not fit for purpose.

On many occasions, ambulances have queued outside the emergency department to take patients onto trolleys which are all occupied inside the hospital itself. The Minister, Deputy Harris, has given a commitment to open the accident and emergency department on 29 May, next Monday, and the hospital management has given a similar commitment. Will the Taoiseach confirm that all the preparations have been made relating to funding, staff and the operational structures which will govern the accident and emergency department?

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