Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. Sláintecare identified in priority terms that Cork, Dublin and Galway would have elective facilities. That was some years ago. It has taken a bit too long to develop these projects so I have told the Minister and the HSE I want these elective facilities developed. The most effective way to deliver them is on State-owned land, getting the design done and getting them delivered. That is happening in Cork and Galway has been identified. There is a bit more work needed in Dublin. I have the same principle with the mid-west, namely, keep it simple.

We need elective facilities. Where we have State land to provide those elective facilities, we should do so. There is always a myriad of interests in health that say they will do it here or there, or this group want to do it here. I do not understand why the State should not go ahead, develop and get this thing done.

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