Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

University Hospital Limerick was raised here today. While there are concerns about the hospital, I would hate the story to go out that it is falling apart at the seams. As recently as last month, the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, was in Limerick for the opening of the new €16.5 million development unit to deal with cystic fibrosis, the Parkinson's Association of Ireland was also involved and there is also a new heart unit there. He saw at first hand the extent of the emergency in the emergency department and he did acknowledge that there is an issue. He has taken the issue on board and is working on something at the moment. I would hate the message to go out that it is a no-go area because the hospital has expertise in many fields. It is well known for its treatment of cancer patients. The new cystic fibrosis unit there is very much welcomed as well and people go to it from all over the region. There is much positivity happening in the hospital as well as what is taking place in the accident and emergency department. While I acknowledge that issues exist, I wish to put on record the staunch work carried out by the staff in the hospital and that most of the time it is a very pleasant place to go.