Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Tánaiste is aware, there is a clear commitment in the programme for Government to provide for health services. Sligo University Hospital has been awaiting the provision of a cath lab for many years. It has been an issue probably for the past two decades. It is also waiting on the provision of two 21-bed units. There are major problems with overcrowding in the hospital because there are not a sufficient number of beds to allow patients to be admitted. We had a debate here yesterday evening about a rainy day fund. In the context of that discussion, the Minister of State, Deputy D'Arcy, told me that there was any amount of money available for health services. I would like to get a commitment from the Tánaiste and the Government that the cath lab and the two 21-bed units will be put in place in Sligo University Hospital to provide for the people before we provide a slush fund for banks.

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