Kieran O'Donnell
Limerick City · Fine Gael · Ireland
“The triangle of supports of home care, day care and meals on wheels services — including dementia-specific supports — plays a vital role in helping older people to age well in their own communities. Meals on wheels services provide much more than nutritious meals.”
“The organisation currently operates a day care service four days per week, supporting approximately 60 registered users, and a meals on wheels service with 104 registered users. The HSE has advised that increased funding has been committed to support the organisation.”
“I join the Leas-Chathaoirleach in welcoming the Kellehers to the Seanad, which is a beautiful building in its own right. I thank Senator Kelleher for raising this important matter. He has advocated for Westgate Foundation over a sustained period of time and that has to be acknowledged. I know the work it does is close to his heart.”
“I again thank the Senator for raising Westgate Foundation in Ballincollig and the work it does on behalf of the community, particularly older people. The Senator referred to housing on-site. It is very much an integrated model. I could see how committed the staff and the board, many of them voluntary, were.”
“The Government has significantly increased investment in meals on wheels services in recent years. Funding increased from €3.5 million in 2022 to €6.25 million in 2025, with a further €2 million allocated in budget 2026 to support service expansion and maintenance.”
“The shared objective of the HSE and Westgate Foundation is to ensure high-quality day care and meals on wheels services continue to be available to older people who rely on them, particularly in the greater Ballincollig area.”
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“I thank Deputies for their contributions to this important debate. The Government is well aware of the additional costs faced by disabled people. The Government has opposed this motion and tabled an amendment, but that does not mean that we do not recognise the difficulties and additional costs that disabled people face. We are very aware of those costs. Our determination to assist people with those costs is reflected in the improvements we have made to disability support schemes in recent years and our commitment to further improvements. As the Minister, Deputy Calleary, explained earlier and as outlined in the programme for Government, we are committed to introducing a permanent annual cost-of-disability-support payment and we will do that.”
“Should amendments be required to deal with this matter, I will bring them forward as the Bill moves through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I thank Deputies for their contributions. I look forward to working with them in the future on the area of home support and progressing statutory homecare, which was committed to in the programme for Government.”
“I thank all the contributors to Second Stage, Committee Stage and Report Stage. This is an important Bill and I thank them all for their contributions. The development of this regulatory framework has been a key priority for the Government and represents an integral part of the ongoing development of the statutory homecare scheme as committed to in the programme for Government. I acknowledge the work of my predecessor in this role, the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, who is in the Chamber with us, and more particularly the great work completed by the officials in the Chamber and their colleagues. Officials from my Department, together with colleagues in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, are considering the most appropriate approach to giving effect to the regulations needed to support this legislation.”
“I thank Deputy Rice for his support for the legislation and assure him that all aspects will be covered in the review. In response to Deputy Ó Murchú, PA services are under the remit of the Department of children and disability. Our Department has been very open. The other Department has a review ongoing so PA is not included in the legislation at the moment, but we are open going forward in the process, once the other Department has concluded its deliberations. I thank the Deputies for their contributions.”
“The Bill exempts providers who provide support to fewer than four people, which is three or fewer. Northern Ireland, Scotland and England all exempt services where the care and support is provided by a single individual. Based on this proportionality, I cannot accept the amendment. I know the intent behind it. The legislation will be reviewed two years after it fully comes into operation and we will look at it. However, it was carefully thought about and we looked at international comparisons and at making it proportionate. I am not accepting the amendment, but I note its intent.”
“These operators can be considered especially valuable in rural areas. This exemption also seeks to exempt PA services where a service user directly employs a personal assistant. These arrangements allow service users to direct the way in which their services are provided, which upholds the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. International comparisons were also looked at when drafting the exemptions. Wales includes a similar exemption in its version of homecare, which is called domiciliary support services. When I visited Wales, and particularly Cardiff, on St. Patrick's Day, I met the Welsh minister responsible and her officials to discuss this aspect. The Welsh scheme exempts providers who provide support to four or fewer people at any time.”
“I thank Deputy Rice for tabling this amendment. Section 69B(2) sets out the circumstances where a homecare support provider can seek an exemption to the requirement to register under the Bill. This ensures there is suitable clarity and transparency about when a person will be exempt from the requirement to register. Section 69B(2)(a) provides that where a person provides a homecare support service to fewer than four people, that person will be exempt from the requirement to register. This exclusion was carefully considered as part of the original general scheme to ensure the regulatory burden placed on providers was proportionate to the size of the service being provided. These small services are typically single operators working on a one-to-one basis with service users.”
“The Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 provides a framework for how public bodies can share data and the necessary requirements for doing so. The framework helps to ensure personal data is shared in a consistent manner with full transparency in the way in which data is shared. Consequently, on the basis of what I have just outlined, I will not be accepting the amendment.”
“I will go back over my contribution for the sake of clarity. I thank the visitors for their patience and welcome them. Neither the Health and Safety Authority nor the Workplace Relations Commission have many functions assigned to them under the Act, rendering the proposed provision inoperable for either body. Additionally, the established legislation for the Workplace Relations Commission, under section 27 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015 and section 72 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, includes powers to request information in respect to their functions. Chief inspectors are provided with similar powers under section 69W inserted in the Bill we are discussing today. It is important that public bodies are able to share information with each other.”
“I thank Deputy Nash for taking this amendment, which was tabled by Deputy Sherlock. The proposed amendment from Deputy Sherlock seeks to provide HIQA and the Health and Safety Authority inspectorates under the Workplace Relations Act 2015 with the powers to request information relevant to the performance of their functions, as set out under the Health Act 2007, and allows each organisation to share such information where it appears to it to be required for the other body to carry out its functions as set out under the Act. Neither the Health and Safety Authority nor the Workplace Relations Commission have any functions assigned to them under the Act, rendering the proposed provisions-----”
“Furthermore, the recruitment of additional staff continues. I want to see the 29 additional beds opened as quickly as possible. While a minor injuries unit is going into the St. Columbanus property, a review group has been set up by HSE South West to specifically look at the additional capacity there and at the district hospital in Killarney to find a proper use for them. Work is ongoing in that regard. I want to see that concluded as quickly as possible as well.”
“That is an independent process, but everyone is working to ensure that it happens as quickly as possible. The application is in. Once the HIQA registration comes through, the existing staff and the 101 residents will move to their new home. It is their new home.”
“Once again, I thank Senator Kennelly for raising this very important matter of the opening of the new CNU in Killarney. As I stated, the matter is currently with HIQA for registration. Once that comes through, the HSE will be able to open the new unit and transfer the existing 101 residents from St. Columbanus and the district hospital in Killarney to it. Recruitment of the additional staff continues. I want to see the full complement of the 29 additional beds opened as quickly as possible. In terms of the question that the Senator raised about the facility, it is fully furnished. It has been fully equipped and is clearly ready for occupation. That would normally fall to be done in the normal way under the terms of the HIQA registration process, which is reassuring. The main target for me is that the HIQA registration comes through.”
“The opening of the new CNU in Killarney is an absolute priority for me, the Department of Health and the HSE. This state-of-the-art CNU will enhance the lives of older people in Killarney and surrounding areas for many years to come by providing health and social care services of the highest quality. I look forward to seeing it fully operational. I am advised by the HSE that it has already had the existing residents over to the new CNU in terms of their picking out the rooms they would like to occupy there. In summary, the matter is currently with HIQA. Once approval from HIQA comes through, the patients in St. Columbanus Community Hospital and Killarney Community Hospital will transfer to the new facility. The HSE will continue with the recruitment of staff in order to have a full complement to cover the additional 29 beds.”
“I want to advise the Senator that the HSE has established a site review committee to carry out a structured assessment of current and future healthcare accommodation needs in Killarney, including the future use of the district hospital and St. Columbanus. The HSE is planning to set up an injury unit in the vacated St. Columbanus building to support the existing emergency department in UHK in Tralee. A design team for the injury unit has been appointed, and the project will now move into the necessary regulatory, technical and planning approval stages to facilitate progression to construction. Alongside the development of the injury unit, the future use of the remaining accommodation within St. Columbanus hospital will be considered by the review committee.”
“All current staff will transfer to the new facility, and I have been advised that the recruitment campaigns for the additional staff required are well under way to allow for the opening of the additional beds in Killarney CNU. There are no issues with recruitment of additional staff. That continues as normal. It is important people be given that reassurance. Engagement with union representatives at a local level is also ongoing. I particularly thank staff representative bodies for their continued engagement. There is intensive engagement taking place at the moment. HSE South West will continue to engage with residents, their families, staff and the wider community on all updates relating to the opening of the new Killarney CNU.”
“Columbanus and the district hospital to the new building. HSE South West has assured me that there is ongoing engagement with residents and their families ahead of the transfer. Room allocation has already been agreed with the residents. Open evenings for residents and their families to see the new unit before transfer are being finalised. In simple terms, the phased basis will involve the residents and staff moving into the CNU first. This will be followed by the additional 29 beds that are being provided in the centre. Staff will be recruited, which is ongoing in that space. As Minister of State, I am directly involved with the Department and the HSE in getting Killarney CNU open as quickly as possible.”
“The new CNU in Killarney is part of the PPP project and will have a complement of 130 beds, comprising 50 long-stay beds, 30 dementia-specific beds and 50 short-stay beds. The CNU will provide a high-quality living environment which will be in line with all regulatory requirements. The new facility was handed over to the HSE by the contractor in December 2025. HSE South West has advised me that preparations for Killarney CNU to welcome residents are at an advanced stage. The application for the registration of Killarney CNU has been submitted to HIQA. An opening date for the CNU will be finalised once HIQA registration has been achieved. This will allow for the opening over the coming weeks. Once HIQA registration is secured, the new unit will open on a phased basis, with a planned transfer of residents from St.”
“Long-term residential care is a crucial part of the overall continuum of care. Across the country, our HSE community nursing units, CNUs, and community hospitals play a vital role in the provision of long-term care and other services. This Government is committed to continued investment in healthcare infrastructure which supports the highest quality care for our older population. This investment includes the CNU capital programme, which was launched to ensure that up to 90 of our public CNUs and community hospitals would be refurbished or replaced to ensure the best possible environments for our older people. The public-private partnership, PPP, aspect of the CNU programme continues to progress and will deliver 528 beds in seven facilities across the country.”
“If the Acting Chairperson will give me a moment, I wish to acknowledge the Appelbees. It is quite a coincidence. I met them in the corridor a couple of minutes ago. I assume that is Austin's grandmother. I want to acknowledge her. Mothers are very important. Austin is living in Perth, and his mother is from Monaghan. It is a great tribute. I said to Austin's mum that she must be proud of him; she said she is very proud. At some stage, we may come calling for Austin to represent Ireland. He will have a big choice to make at some point. It is a happy day. I congratulate Austin, his mum and everyone, and I acknowledge my colleague Deputy Maxwell, who the family are here as guests of. The Deputy is very enthusiastic about everything Austin has done. I thank Senator Kennelly for raising this important matter.”
“The HSE is committed to reopening all the closed beds pending the successful recruitment of staff. As I said, six beds will reopen in June and July. A recruitment campaign is under way to get the staffing levels in place to open the remaining five of the 11 beds. As Minister of State with responsibility for older people, I, the Department of Health and the HSE are committed to ensuring that all available residential care services for older people at Killybegs Community Hospital are fully operational as soon as possible.”
“I again thank Senator Boyle for raising this important issue on behalf of the people in the Killybegs area. As I have already outlined, there are currently 22 beds operational in Killybegs Community Hospital, 11 of which are currently closed. It is hoped that the staff will be in place in June and July to open six of the 11 beds that are unopened. A multitask attendant recruitment campaign targeted strictly at Killybegs Community Hospital is planned in the coming weeks allowing for the opening of the remaining five beds. This demonstrates the continued focus and commitment to addressing the staff shortfalls. I assure Senator Boyle that all efforts are being made on a continual basis to ensure appropriate staffing is in place to maximise the residential capacity in Killybegs Community Hospital, including ongoing recruitment campaigns.”
“The HSE West and North West will continue to engage with residents and their families, staff and the wider community on all updates in relation to the opening of the closed beds in Killybegs Community Hospital. I am very committed to getting beds that are closed in existing public community nursing home facilities opened. The Senator has made a very valid point. As I have said, staff are on the way and are being recruited to get five of the 11 beds open in June and July when they are in place. A further recruitment campaign is about to commence to get the staff necessary to facilitate the open of the remaining six beds. It is hugely important for the people in the Killybegs area that the hospital has its full complement of beds open.”
“Unfortunately, agency capacity in the Killybegs area remains very limited. Despite these challenges, the service continues to actively pursue all available avenues to secure the necessary workforce. I assure Senator Boyle that I, the Department of Health and the HSE are fully committed to addressing this issue and to ensuring that Killybegs Community Hospital will be operating at full capacity at the earliest possible date. The HSE has committed to reopening all the closed beds on a phased basis pending the successful recruitment of staff. As already stated, it is looking to open six of the 11 beds once the staff are in place in June and July.”
“On foot of a recruitment campaign for nurses and multitask attendants for the hospital, three nurses are currently progressing through the recruitment system. One has a confirmed start date and two are undergoing employment clearances. Additionally, one multitask attendant is currently at job acceptance stage. It is anticipated that these staff members will take up post between June and July 2026, allowing for the opening of six of the 11 beds. A further multitask attendant recruitment campaign specifically targeted at Killybegs Community Hospital is planned in the coming weeks. This will allow for the opening of the remaining five beds, demonstrating the continued focus and commitment to addressing staffing shortfalls. The HSE has also engaged with employment agencies to explore the provision of staff to support the reopening of beds.”
“Killybegs Community Hospital cannot admit any more residents at the present time as the opening of additional beds is dependent on safe staffing levels. To ensure the safety of both residents and staff, bed capacity is configured around adequate staffing levels and an appropriate staff skill mix must be in place. There are challenges in recruiting staff in community nursing units and community hospitals in more rural locations such as Killybegs. I assure the Senator that HSE West and North West is committed to filling all vacant posts in Killybegs Community Hospital and will continue to explore all available options to fill these posts. The service has been liaising closely with HR colleagues to ensure that roles at Killybegs Community Hospital are prioritised for recruitment in order to help support the opening of the closed beds.”
“I thank Senator Boyle for raising this important matter. I join him in acknowledging the great work of the staff there. I also acknowledge the vital healthcare role that Killybegs Community Hospital plays and the excellent level of care it provides to residents and their families in the Killybegs community and surrounding areas. I advise the Senator that the maximum capacity in Killybegs Community Hospital is 33 beds, with 13 long-term care beds and 20 short-term care beds. The HSE has advised that there are currently 22 beds open, comprising 13 long-term and nine short-term beds. While all of the available long-term care beds in Killybegs Community Hospital are occupied, there are currently 11 short-term care beds that are not operational.”
“By investing in the restoration of these protected peatlands we can unlock a multitude of benefits for both society and the environment.”
“This initiative has also facilitated the conservation of 53 special areas of conservation and 36 national heritage areas, addressing legal action against the State in protecting peatland sites of unique ecological value for future generations. Through the scheme, the National Parks and Wildlife Service demonstrated that significant ecological restoration is possible through fair and sustainable community engagement. The matters brought up by the Senator today will be brought to the attention of the Minister and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and I suggest he follow up again with the respective parties on this matter in respect of his constituents. The Government will continue to support local peatland communities through schemes such as the peatlands and Natura engagement scheme and other incentives that sustain biodiversity.”
“I thank Senator Murphy again for bringing this important issue up for discussion, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne. I assure Senator Murphy that every effort is made to support individuals who cut turf on protected bogs. The turf cutting scheme has operated for 15 years. The majority of turf cutting sites have accepted compensation and others have consented to the restoration works of the protected raised bog restoration incentive scheme. The turf cutting compensation scheme is a landmark achievement balancing environmental preservation with community support. In its 15-year term, the scheme compensated more than 3,500 active turf cutters through an annual payments index linked to relocation options to ensure energy security.”
“In his reply, Senator Murphy might indicate whether he has had contact with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in respect of the matters he raised and of the case of the 80 families he addressed in his contribution so that I can arrange for matters to be followed up with the relevant parties.”
“The estimated costs of provisional payment over the lifetime of this scheme will reach €96 million. Other supports operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Department of Social Protection are available to those with older homes or inefficient heating systems and those most at risk of fuel poverty. The cutting of turf and associated turf cutting activities remain a regulated activity in the SACs and NHAs. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has, since the scheme came into operation, successfully restored many of those raised bogs in the SACs and NHAs and that work programme will continue.”
“No additional relocation sites are expected to be identified at this stage, although a small number of plots are being developed. Eligible applicants on raised bog SACs where turf cutting ceased in 2011 received their final payment under the 15-year scheme in 2025. Applicants on SACs where turf cutting ceased in 2012 will receive a final payment in 2026. Where turf cutting ceased on the raised bog natural heritage areas at different stages between 2014 and 2017, payments will continue to be made annually with final payments being made from 2028 to 2031. This scheme has compensated turf cutters for the impact of restrictions on turf cutting on these protected sites. Over a 15-year term it has helped to ensure the conservation of important peatland sites of unique ecological value.”
“I thank the turf cutters and contractors who have co-operated with the State and supported the transition from these protected sites. The cessation of the turf-cutting compensation scheme was established following engagement with stakeholders in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from these restrictions on turf cutting on 53 raised bog SACs and was extended in 2014 to include 36 raised bog NHAs. The scheme comprises a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog, together with a once-off legal agreement payment of €500. While applicants were waiting for relocation sites to be investigated, prepared and developed, they could have opted for the annual payment or opt to receive an annual supply of up to 15 tonnes of cut turf delivered to their homes.”
“The Government has recognised the traditional activity of cutting by citizens for their own domestic use and that these needs must be balanced with the conservation objectives and obligations on the State. The rights of turf cutters are being addressed through compensation under the cessation of turf-cutting compensation scheme, through other incentives and initiatives or through relocation to alternative sites where feasible. The State has worked collaboratively with turf cutters, contractors and their representatives under the scheme and this has resulted in a cessation of turf cutting on over 85% of the raised bog SACs since 2011. These restrictions are necessary to address issues raised by the European Commission in legal proceedings against Ireland in the European Court of Justice.”
“The raised bog SACs and NHAs covered by the cessation of turf-cutting compensation scheme are, as such, considered wetland ecosystems of high ecological value. The main threats to their conservation arise from any actions that remove the vegetation, drain water or cause them to dry out. In the case of active raised bogs, a priority habitat under the directive, the average water levels need to be close to the surface for most of the year to survive. Turf cutting involves the direct removal of peat and the vegetation on top. The associated drainage compromises the hydrological integrity of these protected bogs and lowers the water table. These changes to the bog structure not only result in the loss of the unique raised bog ecology but under certain conditions can influence the hydrology of the bog and its surrounding landscape.”
“I thank Senator Murphy for raising this important issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne. Ireland is endowed with a rich network of peatlands of raised and blanket bogs which are vital for biodiversity, supporting climate and flood mitigation, and importantly are an intrinsic part of our cultural heritage. The EU directive on the conservation of habitats, flora and fauna, commonly known as the habitats directive, requires all member states to select sites for the protection of habitats and species considered threatened in the EU territory. Ireland has achieved this for raised bog habitats by selecting 9% of our original raised bog resource and protecting them as SACs, which the Senator has already referred to, and natural heritage areas, NHAs.”
“The Government remains committed to building on this different investment and progress already made in improving the outcomes for cancer patients in Ireland. I acknowledge everyone present, in particular Senator Costello. We have a shared commitment to improve the lives of cancer patients. Once again, I thank the Senator for raising this very important issue.”
“I again thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I think she is going to follow up directly with the Minister and the Department of Health about the remaining recommendations and other issues. Forty-three recommendations have been implemented. Successive national cancer strategies have delivered continued improvements in outcomes for Irish cancer patients, as shown by a significant increase in five-year survival rates, from 44% between 1994 and 1998 to 65% between 2014 to 2018. The upcoming evaluation of the current national cancer strategy provides an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved, identify remaining challenges and ensure that future priorities are informed by evidence, experience and advice from patients and families.”
“The Government and the Minister for Health remain committed to a strategic approach to cancer control at a national level and to continuing to build on improvements to services and better outcomes for patients. The Senator raised CT scans and other issues and they will be brought to the attention of the Minister.”
“An evaluation will first be carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the HSE's national cancer control programme and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland. Other stakeholders include patients and their families, healthcare professionals, Government agencies, research institutions and advocacy groups. These stakeholders will also play a major role in informing the development of the next strategy. While evaluation of actions to date will inform the direction of the next strategy, opportunities in known emerging areas in cancer control can be and should also be examined. The increasing use of personalised medicine, innovation in data and AI tools and sustainable prevention measures will all likely play a role in the future of cancer control.”
“Investment under the strategy has also ensured that more patients are being seen in specialist centres, are being reviewed by multidisciplinary teams and are receiving better supports during and after treatment. The current strategy, which was published in June 2017, contains 52 recommendations. To date, 43 of these have been implemented and the HSE national cancer control programme is continuing to progress the remaining nine. These will continue to drive further reforms and service improvements in this final year of the strategy. I suggest that the Senator write to the Minister directly for an update on the remaining nine recommendations. Early work on the next national cancer strategy has already begun.”
“Ireland's consecutive national cancer strategies have ensured that international best practice has been adopted where possible and, as a result, they have transformed patient outcomes in cancer care. Since its launch in 2017, the Government has allocated €105 million to the current national cancer strategy to support cancer services and improve outcomes for patients. This is in addition to over €140 million in capital investment in cancer infrastructure. In the intervening years, very significant progress has been made in improving cancer services and there are now over 220,000 people living with or beyond cancer, 50% more than there were a decade ago. I note the Senator acknowledged that improvements have taken place.”
“I thank Senator Costello for raising this important matter. I am taking it on behalf of the Minister for Health. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the national cancer strategy and I recognise the Senator’s commitment to this topic. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of Ireland’s first national cancer strategy. It is an opportune time to reflect on the progress that has been made since 1996 and to look ahead to how we may build upon what has already been achieved. Research has shown that Ireland's consecutive national cancer strategies have been a significant factor in improving patient outcomes. A study published in the Journal of Cancer Policy just this year lauded Ireland's strategic approach to cancer control as among the highest across the countries examined.”
“Option C is to develop a model 3 hospital in the mid-west to provide a second emergency department. I concur with the Deputy that it is very difficult for patients coming to UHL with the waiting times and trolleys. I join with him in expressing gratitude to the staff in UHL and the entire region for the fantastic work they do. The Government and the Minister for Health are absolutely committed to ensure that we continue to provide further investment in required staff to meet capacity requirements for UHL, Limerick and the entire mid-west region in delivering health services.”
“This will increase theatre capacity and reduce day cases and the low-complexity surgical waiting list in the region. It will make an enormous difference. The purchase of the 44-acre site at Raheen represents a significant milestone and provides an opportunity to plan for delivery of healthcare in Limerick and the region for current and future generations. Obviously, the Minister is committed to advancing the establishment of the project board before the summer recess. That project board will look at all aspects, including capacity and everything else that is required in the region. It will look at all aspects when it comes to options B and C. Option B is to look at additional capacity and the expansion of the UHL campus to include an additional adjacent site.”
“The Minister for Health and the Government are focused on increasing bed capacity. Staff numbers in UHL have grown by 50% since December 2019. As I stated, the Minister of Health has been advised by the HSE that recruitment of clinical front-line staff at UHL and throughout the region can continue as normal. That is an important point to make people aware of. More than 53,000 patients attended the three mid-west injury clinics - St. John's, Ennis and Nenagh hospitals - during 2025. Those clinics do great work. The acute virtual ward went live in UHL in July 2024. This has been scaled up to now provide 40 virtual beds, assisting in freeing up hospital capacity. The surgical hub is expected to be in operation by the end of the year, as the Deputy referenced.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter and the concerns raised by the UHL medical board. Like the Deputy, I am local TD in Limerick and I am fully aware of the concerns raised. The Government is fully committed to driving significant improvements to the health service at UHL and across the mid-west. As the Deputy stated, UHL is one of the busiest emergency departments in Ireland. Increasing levels of activity in 2026 have attendance up 11% in January to March compared to the same period in 2025. Despite these attendances and a related rise in waiting times, we have seen some improvement in compliance but there are too many instances of prolonged patient waiting times. There are too many people on trolleys. I accept that. It is a capacity issue, as the HIQA report stated.”
“The Minister has requested the HSE to deliver additional health services locally at Ennis, Nenagh and St. John’s hospitals where it is safe and appropriate to do so. The next step is to establish a project board to progress options B and C and develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the organisation of services and investment in the mid-west to ensure a balanced, sustainable and region-wide model of care. The Minister for Health is committed to advancing the establishment of the project board before the summer Dáil recess. I assure the Deputy, the people of the mid-west and all public representatives that the Government will continue to pursue all measures to increase capacity and improve service delivery at UHL and across the entire region.”
“Under existing plans, we will deliver 420 additional beds by 2031, with 128 of these hospital beds already delivered at UHL. The second 96-bed block is getting under way, along with an additional 82 beds to be delivered. Furthermore, the 420 beds include 48 additional beds planned for delivery in Ennis Hospital, 42 for St. John’s Hospital and 24 for Nenagh Hospital. To progress option B, the HSE has acquired a 44-acre site in Raheen, just 2 km from UHL. This site provides a significant opportunity to provide meaningful additional capacity and health services to the people of the mid-west. The Minister visited Clare in the mid-west yesterday and met the public, patient advocates, healthcare professionals and public representatives from the region.”