Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I sometimes get bemused when I am making these statements because I wonder do I see different evidence from what the Taoiseach does when he responds to me. I would make the point here that the Taoiseach has raised the issues of SETU and what is happening. I point out to the Taoiseach that there has been no delivery on the promises that were given there, be it the courses, the teaching building or the development of the PPP. That is what people see and that is what people are looking at.

In terms of the hospital, we were promised a seven-day cardiac service and the implementation of a service in July of last year. We have not even yet lifted the HSE embargo on those positions to begin recruitment. That shows the lack of delivery.

I brought up the issue of the Waterford Gaeltacht with the Taoiseach in recent days. I point out to the Taoiseach that, according to responses I got to parliamentary questions, €53 million in funding through údarás in six years was given to the seven Gaeltachtaí in the country and the Waterford Gaeltacht got €66,000 out of it. That is what I am talking about. This is what I see. This is what the people of Waterford see.

It is not to be argumentative but to point out to the Taoiseach that this is about delivery. Until delivery happens, people will not believe. It is as simple as that. To be honest, we have to put our fingers into the wounds and see them.

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