Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the 50-bed replacement ward block at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe. The matter has been ongoing for many years. It is a shovel-ready project. It is essential that we see works progressing as quickly as possible. When I recently met hospital management, it highlighted the urgent need for the project to progress. The current ward block is not fit for purpose and the project is extremely important in improving conditions for both patients and staff at the hospital. In the previous reply I received on the matter I was informed that the Health Service Executive had indicated to the Department that tender documents were being prepared, with a view to progressing procurement and commencing an enabling works contract in 2019. I want to know at what stage the process is at, as no enabling works have taken place so far this year. I would like to see the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, address the Seanad on the capital plan. It is crucial that we see the new 50-bed replacement ward block at Portiuncula University Hospital as part of the plan. It is important that we see progress on it without delay. Both patients and staff are operating in conditions that are not fit for purpose. We need to see progress on an enabling works contract and a budget for the capital plan.