Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Yes, unfortunately. Tralee General Hospital is the second biggest acute hospital in the Health Service Executive's south-western area. It is not getting its fair share of resources, staffing or funding. Despite all the promises the accident and emergency unit has not been built. There is no full-time cardiologist there. As a Limerick man, the Cathaoirleach must share my concern in that regard because the hospital serves some of the west Limerick area too. There is no registrar and funding for the part-time cardiologist has been cut.

Tralee General Hospital recorded 28,000 new attendances last year and treated 35,000 patients in all, including reviews. Will the Leader arrange for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to come into the House to debate this matter? Like everyone else I cannot understand this situation. General practitioners in Kerry are so frustrated they had to down tools yesterday to make a protest. There is no consultation with the Health Service Executive. I would like the Minister to tell us how resources are allocated.