Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I have two questions. I refer to the response with regard to the HSE, and I am aware of this issue from asking previous questions on it. The Minister of State said that the HSE will consider this development in the context of planning for 2019 and he mentioned the prioritisation of projects in the capital plan. When will we know that funding has been allocated to ensure that we have new thrombectomy services in Beaumont Hospital, particularly as the Minister of State said that he knows the evidence is clear that thrombectomy services are critical in ensuring that we reduce the level of disability for people and reduce mortality rates?

Having worked within the stroke services, I know that some improvements have been made but it is not enough. The Minister of State said in this response that the Government is committed to making tangible and sustainable improvements in our health services. I want the Government to be committed to ensuring that it makes improvements in our stroke services. The point I am making today is that we need to see a new and expanded thrombectomy service in Beaumont Hospital to ensure we support as many stroke patients as possible.