Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I cannot begin to understand the frustration patients must feel if they are not able to get access to modern treatment such as this, and the anger they must feel when they see people receiving this treatment in other regions and it is not available in their own. I do understand this. What I can say from the Government's point of view is that funding has been allocated to University Hospital Limerick to hire the additional specialist staff that are needed. We are committed to getting the service up and running. I certainly encourage anyone involved in the recruitment process in the HSE and in University Hospital Limerick to expedite this and make sure the staff are hired. I understand, as is the case throughout Ireland and the world, that there is a huge shortage of people who have the specialist skills to fill these posts at a time when demand is rising but that is not an excuse. It may be a reason but it is not an excuse. The funding is there and we are determined to get the service up and running as soon as possible.

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