Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand it is a district hospital. To be very clear, in case anyone thinks there are 20, 30 or 40 people in it - there is a ward for seven people. We were solely dependent on agency staff and we were not able to get them. I secured a derogation from the HSE to secure three full-time, permanent members of staff. Recruitment is currently under way for them. A panel is in place, but it takes time. Our full objective is to reopen the hospital. A respite-rehab ward is vital in the area. As the Deputy knows, when I was in Clifden last year I announced the building of a new CNU at a cost of €35 million to the State. A planning application has been submitted for it. I want those beds open and I will not stop until they are open.

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