Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement by Shannon Airport this morning that two extra routes, one to Porto and one to Naples, will be added to its complement of flights from Shannon Airport, starting in the summer of 2023. That means people can travel to more than 26 destinations from Shannon Airport. I compliment Ms Mary Considine, CEO, and her team on their hard work that has resulted in expanding the offering from Shannon Airport. The airport can be easily accessed and can be got in and out of quite quickly. Again, I compliment all of the team.

The other issue I want to raise is University Hospital Limerick, UHL, and the fact that today it is encouraging people not to go to the hospital unless they are seriously ill. This is an ongoing crisis I keep raising and it is really frightening. Last night, I raised with some of my own colleagues the staff shortages in different areas which is adding to people having to wait longer to be seen. This morning, I tabled a Commencement matter about people having to wait to see GPs. The Government needs do something to widen the services provided by GPs because some people must wait between a week and ten days for an appointment with a GP and then they present at hospitals. The two must happen in tandem. It is frightening to see that the hospital is encouraging people not to come to the hospital unless they are seriously ill. There are smaller injury units in Nenagh, St. John's and Ennis hospitals. I know people are being encouraged to attend these but it is frightening that UHL has had to give the warning today.