Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that the new accident and emergency department in University Hospital Limerick opened at 8 a.m. yesterday. It was wonderful to see the new facilities there. I know the staff had a very busy day yesterday. Earlier in the week some of the more senior staff expressed concerns over whether some of the new staff appointed would be able to cope under the pressure of the opening with increased numbers coming through the doors. I welcome that the hospital committed to appointing a clinical skills facilitator who will ensure that enough senior staff are working with the more junior and newly-qualified staff. This is to be welcomed on health and safety grounds. Those of us in Limerick and the wider region have waited a long time for this. I know the problems will not be solved overnight. I wish the existing and new staff the very best for the future.