Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

When will the 60-bed modular unit be delivered? According to the Minister of State, capital funding will be made available. While we accept that, the capital plans for 2019 to 2021 are being reprofiled and we do not know whether that funding will be available. The 60-bed modular unit needs to be made available urgently. It cannot be put off until 2020 or 2021. I understand that it will be prioritised, but there are so many competing priorities in our health services that we are concerned this one will not be given sufficient priority to see it delivered in 2019, as promised by the Minister last November. We need clarity.

The mid-west has other urgent needs. For example, there was a proposal to build a 100-bed hospital to replace St. Joseph's Community Hospital's unit for elderly care on a greenfield site. What priority will that be given? It influences how people are discharged from our model 4 hospital in Limerick. That 100-bed unit was to be built and ready for occupation in 2021 as a priority, but we are now worried that it will be reprofiled off the priority list.

There is a plan to build two primary care centres in Ennis, which has never been lucky enough to get such a centre. When will they be delivered? There is also a proposal to move the outpatient department from Ennis general hospital to a new location. Will that be reprofiled and put on the long finger? The hospital is unfit for purpose. When will the upgrading of equipment and theatres in Ennis be delivered?

There are many more issues in the mid-west than just the 60-bed modular unit or the 96-bed permanent unit. When will they be prioritised and delivered?

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