Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Browne for raising this matter on the Adjournment. I have the pleasure of taking the Adjournment on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney.

As the Senator has remarked, the manner in which St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny is run has been put forward as a showcase for accident and emergency treatment. I had the pleasure of visiting the hospital in December 2004 and was struck by the excellent atmosphere and environment in which everyone worked, despite the pressures involved in trying to run a hospital of its size. The staff showed great respect for one another and their different roles. A number of other hospitals have examined its successful operation and are trying to learn from the experience.

As Senator Browne noted, the Tánaiste paid a visit to the hospital in July 2005 and she agreed with the Health Service Executive's proposal to provide funding of €450,000 for St. Luke's hospital to further the following capital initiatives: the appointment of a design team to further a development control plan for the site; the completion of contract drawings for an out-patient facility; and the development of services for the stroke unit.

The Health Service Executive has informed the Department of Health and Children that progress on the development of an interim out-patient facility and an expanded accident and emergency unit continue to be the top priority for St Luke's hospital. The technical issues involved are being dealt with by the acting director of capital projects and his staff in Kilkenny. Planning permission has been sought and the HSE south-eastern area is satisfied there are no significant obstacles that would hold up the planning permission. A design team has been appointed and is preparing the necessary tender documentation. It is now a matter for the Health Service Executive to continue to further these developments within the overall funding resources available.