Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise today out of concern at the fact that St. John’s Hospital in Limerick had to close its small minor injuries emergency department yesterday. This was helping to relieve the significant pressure on the accident and emergency department at the University Hospital, which is overcrowded again today. It is because there were not enough staff to manage the unit, albeit it reopened at 8 a.m. this morning. I am very concerned that St. John’s Hospital which was helping to deal with minor injuries could not open yesterday. It is a big problem. Patients were diverted to the University Hospital.

The second matter I raise is the Creative Ireland programme and the €200 million announced to provide for things like film production. Troy Studios is a film studio based in Limerick. As part of the €200 million Creative Ireland programme, there is discussion of increased tax incentives and funding for training. I have raised here on many occasions the importance of training and apprenticeships. There are people on an apprenticeship programme in Troy, which is a positive, good news story. I am just using this as an example. No matter what high end film production companies come to film in Troy, people will have the skills sets to apply for positions. It is very important. I ask the Leader to bring the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to come to the House to debate the future of the Creative Ireland programme and the way it can be used productively on a national basis.