Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I acknowledge the Deputy's advocacy for this important health hub. We all recognise the need to respond on a nationwide basis to the health needs of people who are homeless. That includes areas outside Dublin and, to the Deputy's point, including Cork city will be a critical investment for the HSE.

I will reiterate to all the Ministers in the Department of Health the need for support for this proposal. The engagement with HSE south west and Cork City Council is ongoing in terms of preparing a funding model. We will in the coming weeks understand the provisions within the new HSE capital plan and these decisions will be made. In budget 2026, over €1.5 million has been provided to improve access to health services for people living in emergency accommodation. That is not taking away from the importance of this capital infrastructure required for HSE south west. Securing funding under the capital plan will be critical to the decision-making process for this to proceed. I will take that back and I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter.

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