Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I am disappointed that a commitment has not been provided in respect of the opening of the unit. A major investment has already been made in the context of the unit's construction. This again displays the lack of joined-up thinking within the HSE. There is a lack of co-ordination within the executive in the context of budgets. The building section has already overseen the construction of the unit but it does not appear that funding will be provided in respect of its being fitted out. There is no logic to this and it highlights the difficulty with inflexible bureaucratic systems such as those employed by the HSE.

I urge the Minister of State to urge the Minister for Health and Children to use her good offices to ensure the unit will be opened as soon as possible. Delivery is what it all boils down to in government. There is no point in initiating projects unless then can ultimately be delivered. We are almost there in respect of the project in question. It is a shame the elderly people of Waterford will lose out because the unit cannot be opened on foot of a lack of joined-up thinking. I again urge the Minister of State to raise this matter with the Minister for Health and Children on their behalf.