Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister to the House. I was momentarily confused and wondered whether I was to discuss with him the issue of Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis. I realise, however, that we are both here in a different capacity, namely, to discuss the 14-bed extension to Kenmare Community Hospital in County Kerry. Unfortunately, despite the long-standing commitment to build the facility, we have had a litany of broken promises. The extension was a priority of the former Southern Health Board in 2000 and two Deputies from the Kerry South constituency, Deputy Healy-Rae and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O'Donoghue, published literature prior to the 2002 general election in which they made commitments to the project.

I am confused because Deputy Moynihan-Cronin, speaking in County Kerry recently, indicated the project would not proceed. For this reason, I look forward to clarification from the Minister. As I indicated, the project has been put on the long finger despite being a priority in 2000, if not earlier. I was a member of a deputation which met the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, last June. Deputy Healy-Rae was also present, having helped organise the meeting, and Deputy Moynihan-Cronin was either present or represented at the meeting, which we left with high hopes. I look forward to the Minister enlightening me on the position regarding the project which, I hope, will be delivered.