Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I again ask the Taoiseach about Wexford General Hospital. He will be aware that the restoration process is ongoing. He visited the hospital when the fire occurred and assured the management and people at that time that all stops would be pulled out to ensure not only restoration but that the new 97-bed block extension would be built as soon as possible. All the politicians in County Wexford bought into what the Taoiseach said. Deputy Howlin of the Labour Party believes that he was sincere. However, when I last brought the matter to the Taoiseach's attention, I did not get to respond to his answer as I did so during Questions on Policy or Legislation. At that time, the Taoiseach said;

If it is possible to ... [provide] a modular unit or to do something to provide additional capacity, [I think] we should do it. I gave that indication to the management when I was there. The emergency ... [legislation no longer exists but we have asked for the] advice of the Attorney General [which] is not favourable.

At a meeting of the management and staff of Wexford General Hospital and the elected representatives of County Wexford last week, the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Deputy James Browne, told management that the Government was waiting for the advice of the Attorney General. To tell the truth, however, the people of County Wexford are not a bit interested in what the Attorney General has to say. The promise was made. It is believed to be honourable. The only question the people of Wexford are asking is if and when the 97-bed block will be delivered in tandem with the restoration works that are ongoing. We cannot delay the reopening of the emergency department. We should not delay further the additional 44 beds that will come about as a result of the provision of the new 97-bed block.

I do not believe the people of County Wexford want a Jesuitical delivery. I will ask a straight question that warrants a straight answer, with no dancing on the top of a pinhead: when will the 97-bed block be delivered to the 167,000 people of County Wexford?

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