Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That was the options appraisal. I have a small library in my office related to Galway. "Not fit for purpose" is the comment from former Taoisigh and Ministers. A letter from the hospital's consultants and doctors to all Deputies and Senators, dated 1 November, told us about the state of the hospital. They tell us the main hospital was built in 1956, while Merlin Park was built in 1954. They told us that 95% of Merlin Park and 64% of University Hospital Galway is not satisfactory, unacceptable and not fit for purpose. Given this context and years of asking for a brand-new hospital, not an elective hospital but a brand-new one, as identified in the options appraisal, there is now confusion regarding this.

Regarding cancer care, the region has between 800,000 and 1 million people. I am concerned that we are going backwards. I am very familiar with these gates. I do not wish to be familiar with them but I must be. We are at gate zero. On the last occasion, the report told us that the national capital and property steering committee was reviewing the matter. The Minister's reply today tells us it is being reviewed internally. Will the Minister clarify this inconsistency?

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