James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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824. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated construction and operation costs of a second catheterisation laboratory at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34380/17]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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825. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the methodology contained within the Herity report on cardiac services at University Hospital Waterford. [34381/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 824 and 825 together.

The Programme for Government committed to the development of a second cath lab at the University Hospital Waterford (UHW), subject to a favourable recommendation from an independent clinical review. This independent clinical review was completed by Dr Niall Herity, a highly respected, Belfast-based NHS cardiologist. I consider that Dr Herity's approach to the analysis and interpretation of the available evidence was independent, thorough and scientifically robust and took account of best international practice and guidance. Accordingly, I have accepted Dr Herity's findings and recommendations in their entirety.

In relation to the Deputy’s specific query regarding the estimated construction and operation costs of a second catheterisation laboratory at University Hospital Waterford, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

The Deputy may wish to note that, while Dr Herity found that the needs of the effective catchment population of UHW can be accommodated in a single cath lab, he recommended increased investment in cardiology services at the hospital. Additional funding of €0.5m has been provided to UHW in 2017 which will enable the hospital to provide 2 additional cath lab sessions (8 hours) per week. A procurement process is also in train for the provision of a temporary mobile cath lab at the hospital. This will contribute to the further reduction in elective cardiology waiting lists at UHW.