Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate Senator Lombard raising this important issue. This Government is fully committed to investing in Ireland's healthcare infrastructure and services in line with the ambition and direction mapped out by Sláintecare. We are pleased to confirm that the construction works are progressing on the endoscopy unit at Bantry General Hospital and there is a planned date for its completion. The upgraded endoscopy suite at Bantry General Hospital, which is expected to complete construction in June 2024, is an important service that will safeguard the quality of life for many of citizens of west Cork and south Kerry. I reiterate this Government's commitment to healthcare reform. Significant reform has already been delivered, as the Senator has said, and these reform measures are making an immediate positive impact on patients' lives. The ambitious 2023 waiting list action plan sets out the next steps in the multiannual approach towards achieving our vision of a world-class public healthcare system in which everyone has timely and transparent access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it, in line with Sláintecare reforms. I thank the Senator for raising this important issue.

I join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming all the students from Loreto on Grange Road. I hope they enjoy seeing democracy in action. It is a good example of such democracy from Senator Lombard in raising the important health issue; the progress of healthcare reform and the obligation on Government to deliver that in line with the expectations of citizens. I hope the students enjoy their day in the Houses of the Oireachtas.