Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator. She is quite right that HSE estates is developing a costed, timelined plan for the development, to be ready by the end of 2021. The Department of Health is actively engaging with the HSE and representative groups on this matter to improve equity of access to an inpatient unit for the midlands. We had this battle in Waterford for many years. The friends of Waterford Hospice did phenomenal work and raised a significant amount of money over so many years. We would not have seen the Dunmore wing built if not for that. As of the last month or so, and very quietly, the first service users are now in the hospital in Waterford. We were lucky to have that building for the last 18 months for Covid-related issues but it is up and running now and very welcome.

On the Senator's query, I have no problem with meeting her and others but this falls under the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly's brief. Under the delegation orders palliative care falls to him. However, I have no issue whatsoever supporting the Senator's ask here. It is long recognised the midlands area does not have that support and families need it. End of life is a very traumatic time for so many families and having to travel to an area that might be an hour or 90 minutes away is not feasible at all. I am happy to liaise with the Senator on this. I thank her once again for raising this really important issue.