Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)

That is positive news but we need to put a deadline on this to ensure it happens. While the new complex may be at design stage, it is a long way from being built. As Deputy Connolly mentioned in regard to Galway, people talk about these things for years and years but nothing happens. That is the reality. We do not want that situation to occur in this case.

There are other facilities can be utilised more. For instance, Our Lady's Hospital in Manorhamilton could be utilised for some of the orthopaedic treatment day services, including for people who come in for injections or small day surgeries. Places like that can be used. Manorhamilton is only up the road and could deal with some of the overcrowding and other issues at Sligo University Hospital. Mr. Gaine has spoken to me about that and I hope he has also spoken to the Minister about it. A number of the other surgeons have innovative ideas as to how we can deal with this situation and try to progress to a position whereby we have a proper service in place for people such that they would not be in danger like they are at the moment. The risk of infection is a real danger on the ward in question. We must all acknowledge that. I welcome any change or movement on this issue. We simply cannot continue just talking about it. The new surgical block has been talked about for 30 years. We need to make it happen.

See this speech in context