Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I cannot pre-empt what HIQA will recommend. It will depend on the recommendation because I know there is a lot of demand for additionality in the mid-west more generally.

On Deputy Cahill's question, there is a great team at University Hospital Kerry. His proposals are fairly significant in terms of investment and capital. We will engage with the HSE in that respect, particularly to get what is in the pipeline delivered. That is important.

I dealt with Deputy McGrath. Deputy Catherine Ardagh raised the powerful role St. James's Hospital plays, particularly on the academic research side. It is one of our top tertiary hospitals. We will check out the needs and where we are in terms of the capital programme.

I dealt with Deputy Moynihan. On Deputy Ó Fearghaíl's point, I will have that matter examined and whether it could be sent to me in terms of the back-up there to see what else we can do and whether, if one Department is being difficult, we can find a way. If it is providing therapies and so forth, we should see what we can do to help on that one.

Deputy Kenny raised Mallow hospital. Again, there has been a lot of investment in Mallow hospital over the last number of years, to be fair. I am not sure of the background as regards the transfusion service. There could be issues there in terms of quality standards, particularly when it comes to blood, but we will certainly follow through on the opening of the two floors that are not open.

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