Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach visited South Tipperary General Hospital recently and met with management there. They implored him to provide funding of circa €7 million to finish the refurbishment of the old St. Michael's unit, which was a wonderful institution, to create 33 extra beds. The hospital is at double the capacity it was at 15 years ago, and many patients come to it from west Waterford. The building is three quarters finished. The Taoiseach was quoted in the media as saying he could not understand why this has not been done and that it is the low-hanging fruit. Whether apples, pears or oranges - I hope not bananas - we want this fruit. It has to be delivered for the management there, the very hard-working and dedicated staff and the patients. They have the beds and the other furniture. The heating and a few other elements are to be fitted out properly. Above all, there are 80% of the staff for it, management informed me last night. When will the Government give them the low-hanging fruit?

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