Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is accepted that a key part of the solution for Limerick is additional beds. The new 60-bed modular ward block at UHL is a significant step in addressing this and provides modern single-room inpatient accommodation with improved infection prevention and control capabilities. This follows the completion of two separate rapid-build projects delivered under the Government's national action plan in response to Covid-19, which provided an additional 38 inpatient beds on site at UHL. Furthermore, Project Ireland 2040 includes provision for a 96-bed replacement ward block at UHL. This project has now been tendered in line with public procurement requirements, with tenders returned on 3 February. This tender evaluation process is under way and it is hoped to progress this process in the coming weeks with a view to seeking HSE board approval for the award of the works contract. If that can be escalated as quickly as possible, it would have a major impact.The Department and the HSE will continue to work with local hospital management to further improve patient experience in UHL.

Both Senators raised HIQA and an investigation. I will bring that to the Minister's attention on the Senators' behalf.