Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I might start on my second round of Ministers now. Carlow is growing very much, which is important, but our nearest hospital is in Kilkenny.

The Minister referred to keeping things local. When he spoke to members of Caredoc he referred to an injury clinic for Carlow. That is the way to go. It would help hospitals as they would not be as busy but it would also help the staff. I know the Minister is trying to bring things locally. It is important that we look at keeping things as local as possible and that the Minister consider the provision of an injury clinic for Carlow.

I spoke to the HSE on two other issues last week. A commitment was given to Tullow regarding a primary care unit. Tullow is in quite a rural area. There is also Hacketstown and Rathvilly. We have been given the go-ahead for a primary care unit but the timeline seems very long. I ask the Minister to examine that. I met the HSE last week regarding a primary care unit for Borris, another rural part of Carlow, which takes in Tinnahinch and St. Mullins. As all present are aware, there is an issue with the availability of doctors at the moment. We are in a good position in Carlow. If the Minister were to consider these primary care centres and an injury clinic, that would benefit the people of the county. It would also help Kilkenny hospital. I compliment all the staff for the great work they are doing under significant pressure. The Minister has given an extension there and extra beds have been provided. I know that is a priority for the Minister but I ask that consideration be quickly given to funding these centres. They will be a good way to help people, especially those in my constituency of Carlow.

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