Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Adjournment. I listened carefully to her comments and I reassure her that the Taoiseach is a man of his word. In regard to the matter raised, I shall explain the reasons and the circumstances in the course of my reply.

I take this Adjournment matter on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I want to emphasise the commitment of the Government and the Tánaiste to the continued development of services at Nenagh General Hospital and the continued provision of high-quality, safe acute hospital services in north Tipperary.

In recent years, funding of €2 million was provided to facilitate extension of existing buildings and significant refurbishment of the existing facilities. Some €750,000 was spent on the refurbishment and upgrading of mechanical and electrical services at the hospital. Additional ultrasound equipment was purchased for the hospital at a cost of €200,000. Planning permission has been obtained for an acute psychiatric unit with 24 beds. Space has been protected on the Nenagh campus for the proposed future provision of a geriatric assessment-rehabilitation unit. Approval has also been given for the development of a health centre-community care headquarters.

The next capital development at Nenagh General Hospital comprises an extension to the laboratory, radiology and accident and emergency departments and the provision of a CT scanner. The estimated capital cost is in excess of €2 million. The HSE mid-west area has progressed the project through planning stages, tenders for the work have been sought, and the HSE has informed the Department that approval has been given to the HSE mid-west area to proceed with the accident and emergency and laboratory aspects of the project.

The accident and emergency department aspect was referred to by Senator. However, the HSE has informed the Department that the radiology-CT aspects of the project require additional planning, staffing and revenue funding, the source of which needs to be identified prior to approval. That is the current position.

The Tánaiste is satisfied that what has been outlined to the House represents tangible evidence of the commitment of the Government to the continued provision of high-quality, cost-effective, timely and responsive hospital services in Nenagh for all. The Government is committed to supporting and developing critical services, including key areas such as maternity and accident and emergency services. The decision of the HSE to proceed with the accident and emergency department and laboratory aspects of the project immediately is evidence of this fact. Let us move away from scare tactics and unfounded claims of downgrading and loss of services. Let us have a debate about how best to work together to develop a quality health service for the future and as part of that to ensure a high-quality, sustainable hospital service in Nenagh.