Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have with me the response from the Minister's office. To be clear, Project Ireland 2040 includes provision for a 96-bed replacement ward block at UHL. Funding for this design work has been provided for in the 2021 HSE capital plan. Following receipt of planning permission in early March, the design team has commenced work on the detailed design and preparation of the procurement documents for the development. The Department of Health and the HSE will continue to work with local hospital management to improve the patient experience in UHL further.

It is accepted that the national development plan provides for the recommended 2,590 additional beds. Compared with the number of beds available at the end of 2019, an additional 834 beds have been provided on a permanent basis. The Programme for Government: Our Shared Future commits to continuing investment in our healthcare services in line with the recommendations of the health service capacity review.

I will take the Deputies' comments on board. It is no secret that University Hospital Limerick has been plagued for a long time with a large number of people on trolleys. We hear about it in the House on a weekly basis. The provision of the 96-bed replacement ward will make a significant difference. As Deputy O'Donnell pointed out, though, it must happen very quickly. I will bring the Deputies' concerns to the Minister.

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