John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive reply. I am heartened to hear that a substantial and significant fund of €400,000 has been allocated for ongoing works at St. Vincent's Community Hospital. By any prioritisation standards or reasonable criteria, St. Vincent's in Mountmellick would be top of the list because it is at the heart of elderly care in the midlands. I am sure with the Minister of State's commitment and the support of this House, the hospital will be included in the next round of capital funding to ensure that the necessary investment takes place to upgrade the facilities and ensure that St. Vincent's has a bright and long future in caring for our senior citizens. I am grateful to the Minister of State for her response.