Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

The system relates to elderly patients with chest illnesses. The idea is that these patients would be seen as out-patients, thereby freeing up beds. The article also refers to the appointment of three new consultants. That is great news, a good story and a good photo opportunity for the Minister of State. However, as Members are aware, the new wing built at a cost of €96 million, one part of which is being used following an emergency, remains idle apparently due to unforeseen running costs. The local Labour councillor has sought a comprehensive explanation for the failure to occupy the wing, but she has been unable to get one. I cannot derive much information from the replies given by the Minister for Health and Children in the Dáil because they do not say very much. It is costing money to maintain the wing that is lying idle. The hospital's staff are working in the old accident and emergency department, in bad conditions, beside the state-of-the-art wing. One of the reasons I am raising the issue is because it is the nearest hospital for people in my local area. It has great potential as a regional hospital for the area, but that potential is not being realised.

If the Government learnt anything from the results of the local elections, it must have been that one can fool people with announcements and photo opportunities some of the time, but people eventually see the way things are in reality and respond suitably when they vote in elections. In a reply to Deputy Rabbitte this week, the Minister for Health and Children said the matter has to be dealt with by the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The buck stops with the Minister, however, and he should do whatever is required to sort the issue out. If the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, responds to this debate, I ask him to outline what the Minister, Deputy Martin, is doing to ensure the wing becomes active as soon as possible.