A number of times in this Dáil I have raised the issue of the need for a second catheterisation laboratory, cath lab, at University Hospital Waterford. The Taoiseach will be aware that in October of last year the Minister for Health signed off on that proposal. It was also in the health Estimates, so that the funding, we understand, is there. It is caught up with all the other capital projects that need to be announced. The Minister for Health has not told us yet when the announcement will be made on the capital projects.

Yesterday we had a meeting of Oireachtas Members in Waterford and representatives of the South/South West hospital group, including consultants in the hospital and hospital management. They have told us they cannot plan for the development of a second cath lab until that capital plan is announced. However, a design team can be appointed. Will the Taoiseach put pressure on the Minister for Health to ensure the design team is appointed as quickly as possible? We have been waiting and waiting, with announcement after announcement on the matter but there is still no delivery. Appoint the design team and let those charged with rolling it out start the work as soon as possible.

The feasibility study and the site selection have been completed for the second permanent cath lab at University Hospital Waterford, with agreement from the South/South West hospital group, the general manager, senior clinicians, consultant cardiologists and politicians at a meeting yesterday. A senior member of the HSE's estates project management team also attended the meeting and informed us that a design team cannot be put in place until the budget has been signed off in the capital plan. The project is ready to progress. Will the Taoiseach ensure the budget can be signed off this week to put in place the design team, which is the smallest part of the budget? Progress has finally been made and we are at the final push. If the Taoiseach could intervene to make this a priority, this vital second cath lab could commence operations as a matter of urgency.

Do Deputies Murphy O'Mahony and Brassil wish to comment on the same matter?

No. I am very concerned about Waterford, but not that concerned.

The Government is absolutely committed to providing a second cath lab at University Hospital Waterford. As Deputy Cullinane rightly points out, the decision was made some time ago and the money is in the Estimates. The design team should be appointed and I am exasperated to hear one excuse after another as to why it cannot be done. It should go ahead and do it.