Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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I endorse the comments of my colleague, Deputy Michael Smith. In September 2004, the then Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, approved €2.2 million for the extension to the accident and emergency department, laboratory and radiology department at Nenagh hospital. This was to address the deficits and build on the strengths identified in the Hanly report for the future of the hospital, which was one of the pilot project hospitals in the report of the task force. Planning and tender were approved.

For some reason, however, we have learned the development is to go ahead without the extension to the x-ray department. We are here this evening to make it known to the Minister and the Department that we will not accept this. The accident and emergency, pathology and radiology departments are interdependent. Radiology is in need of expansion, no more than the accident and emergency department and the laboratory.

A CT scanner is also needed. The Minister of State knows of the logjam at the regional hospital in Limerick. If we secure a CT scanner as part of the radiology extension, we will be able to perform x-rays that would normally be sent to Limerick with accompanying medical and nursing staff. If our package goes ahead as originally approved by the Minister for Health and Children in 2004 we will be able to conduct those services under the one roof at Nenagh hospital.

If radiology is discommoded, the extensions to the accident and emergency department and to the laboratory will be less productive. Savings in costs from not sending patients to Limerick will be to the financial benefit of the hospital and to those who avail of the services.

I call on the Minister to address the urgent need for the approval of all parts of the extension for Nenagh hospital. It is essential approval is granted when we consider the growing population of north Tipperary, with people from as far as Littleton, Upperchurch, Redwood and Lorrha availing of the services at the hospital.

If we are to see reform in the health service, it is only right that Nenagh hospital should be a pilot project. Management had the courage to undertake the project following the Hanly report and should now get its just reward. We are not looking for anything extra, simply for what was agreed last year, the extensions to the accident and emergency department, the laboratory and radiology department.

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I will take this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I thank Deputies Michael Smith and Hoctor for raising this matter as it provides me with an opportunity to outline to the House the Government's commitment to the continued development of services at Nenagh General Hospital and continued provision of high quality, safe acute hospital services to the people of north Tipperary.

In recent years, funding of €2 million has been provided to facilitate the extension of existing buildings and significant refurbishment of existing facilities. A sum of €750,000 has been spent on the refurbishment and upgrading of mechanical and electrical services and additional ultrasound equipment has been purchased at a cost of €200,000. In addition, space has been protected on the Nenagh campus for the proposed future provision of a geriatric assessment-rehabilitation unit and approval has been given to the development of a health centre-community care headquarters.

The next capital development project at Nenagh hospital comprises an extension to the laboratory, radiology and accident and emergency departments and provision of a CT scanner. The estimated capital cost of this project is in excess of €2 million and the project has been progressed through planning stages. I understand tenders for the work have been sought and I have been informed by the Health Service Executive that approval has been given to proceed with the extension to the accident and emergency department and laboratory. However, the extension of the radiology department and provision of CT scanning will require the provision of additional revenue funding and staffing. It will not be possible to proceed with this aspect of the project until the required additional revenue and staffing can be identified.

In summary, the planning process has commenced for the further development of facilities at Nenagh General Hospital. The national hospitals office will continue to work with the HSE mid-western region to identify the revenue required for the radiology department and CT aspects of this project.

The Government is committed to the continued development of services at Nenagh General Hospital. We have provided for developments at the hospital in the past and are committed to continuing the investment in services at Nenagh. Nenagh General Hospital will continue to play its part in providing services for the people of north Tipperary.