Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. As I said in my opening remarks, I am conscious of Deputy O'Donnell's desire for new elective facilities in the mid-west. However, I would stress to him that the new facilities that are planned for the three locations in Cork, Dublin and Galway should be considered as national assets that will introduce a new delivery capability into the public healthcare system, which will benefit the whole population to the greatest possible extent.

I am conscious of the remarks made by the Taoiseach earlier this week in response to a proposal for elective facilities in Limerick. I fully agree with the Taoiseach that progressing the elective hospital route is the way to go. We are taking all steps to fast track this proposal within the current rules. By introducing new capacity, we can tackle waiting lists in the long term and free up hospital capacity in the existing wider public hospital network. To conclude, I would note again that I hope Deputy O'Donnell will see the clear benefits that Limerick, the mid-west and the country as a whole will see through the development of these new world-class elective hospitals.

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