In the programme for Government under health the Government stated efforts to increase access to safe timely care as close to patients' homes as is possible would be a priority for the new partnership Government. In west Cork, Bantry General Hospital is a modern vibrant hospital providing a wide range of services to 80,000 people in west Cork and many in Kerry. This year, more than 1,600 patients have been excellently treated in the endoscopy unit. A new endoscopy unit and a stand-alone rehabilitation unit were approved at a recent national capital appraisal meeting of the HSE and have been submitted to the Department of Health for funding. When will this necessary funding for Bantry General Hospital become available?

I thank the Deputy. An announcement on the project is imminent.