Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator has shone a light on this issue and I welcome the opportunity to comment on it. I understand the Senator's passion, conviction and ability to comment on such issues as somebody who practises on the ground. That is what this forum is for and what politics is about. It is people like him who bring that knowledge with them to put the focus on the national organisation that is the HSE through the Department of Health. I certainly will do so for the Senator. I will convey his request and strong belief that it is necessary to provide a pain management clinic at Mayo University Hospital. Obviously, there are waiting lists in other hospitals, but I certainly will support the Senator in his endeavours to have such a clinic provided. I will raise the issue with my colleague, the Minister for Health, and the relevant departmental officials. I will also obtain an update from the Minister on the modular beds provided in Mayo General Hospital and the upgrade of Belmullet Community Hospital. I undertake to come back to the Senator on both issues.