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

I want to raise with the Taoiseach the issue of the catheterization laboratory in Sligo University Hospital. At the moment there is a temporary cath lab that is available a couple of times per week. This is an ongoing issue and there has been a campaign to put in place the service for many years. People who live in the north west and who need the service are being deprived of it.

There is also an issue with the recruitment of a cardiologist. Dr. Donal Murray is due to retire. He told me personally that getting a replacement is a major issue because of the absence of a cath lab in the hospital. People who want to come and work as senior cardiologists want to ensure they have access to the proper services. The denial of that service to the people in the north west is having a knock-on effect. I appeal to the Taoiseach to speak to the Minister for Health to ensure that the service is put in place as quickly as possible. It is almost 30 years since it was first mooted.

See this speech in context