In 2016, the Taoiseach stood in the grounds of University Hospital Waterford and pledged that he and his party would deliver 24-7 cardiac care to the people of the south east. In recent days, he and his Minister for Health took a significant step in honouring that pledge by committing funding to a cardiac cath lab at University Hospital Waterford. I thank the Taoiseach for that step, which he and I have discussed many times. Now I ask that he finish the journey.

First, will he commit his office's oversight of and support for the immediate recruitment of the cardiology team required to open this second cath lab? Second, will he commit the HSE to expand funding to provide a 24-7 cardiac care service for the south east once that new laboratory is operational? In so doing, he will restore the faith of 500,000 people in a politician's promise, and in the promise of a Fianna Fáil Taoiseach.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. As he pointed out, the main construction contract was awarded and the second cath lab is included in the programme for Government and the resources provided. The current funding, in terms of the recruitment of staff and so on, will also be provided with regard to ensuring the successful operation of the cath lab and the vital diagnostic services it will provide. HSE estates has also confirmed that the equipment for the second cath lab will be of the same type as that in the newly upgraded existing cath lab and will have full interventional capabilities in the event that the existing cath lab is not available. It will mean a significantly increased level of interventional services that can be provided now-----

Thank you, Taoiseach. The time is up.

-----and into the future. We will continue to engage with all of the Deputies on the issue.