David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Earlier this week, I visited Crumlin Children's Hospital. I met with the CEO of CHI and the full clinical team, and I heard, first-hand, the very exciting plans they have for the National Children's Hospital, which will be a game changer in increased surgical capacity, staff and beds. It will also provide protected beds for scheduled care, which is most important. The team also outlined some of what they need in the next number of years to deal with the here and now. One of the asks that they had concerned the €200 million access to care fund, most of which, as the Minister will be aware, is used to outsource to the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, and the private sector. They are saying that is not a solution for them. What they are looking for is €8 million or €9 million in revenue funding to recruit staff that they need to provide the additional services to staff the beds, which are also very important. The surgeon there told me that the issue of the provision of recovery beds is a problem. There are problems with the provision of ICU beds, but the lack of recovery beds is an impediment. I ask the Minister to give a commitment that this €8 million or €9 million of revenue funding will be provided.

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