Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

In January 2007 the Minister gave a commitment that Waterford Regional Hospital would have a 42-bed oncology-haematology inpatient unit and a 20-bed oncology day ward. The Taoiseach wrote a letter four days before the general election, a copy of which I have, stating that planning permission would be sought by the end of this year and work would begin by 2008. Planning permission has not yet been sought. Will the Minister give a progress report on the provision of these beds?

With regard to the 20-bed unit, at present there is only a room for six people although 26 people were in it a couple of weeks ago. Some people were getting sick. There is no dignity for people in such a situation. Will the Minister address this problem as a matter of urgency?

I wish to raise the issue of liaison nurses. The staffing situation is deplorable. After St. James's Hospital, Waterford Regional Hospital is probably the busiest. St. James's has 30 liaison nurses but Waterford only has five. Will the Minister comment on that?