I compliment the Taoiseach on his comments on An Taisce, which is trying to sabotage our dairy industry. I want to raise the issue of the medical assessment unit in Nenagh hospital. The unit was set up to take some of the pressure off the emergency department in Limerick. Unfortunately, it is not being staffed adequately. We need a permanent consultant to be appointed there. Last week, it was closed for two days. As we stand here, it is closed and it was also closed yesterday and Monday. I am told it will also be closed tomorrow. It was operating very efficiently. In order for it to fulfil its purpose I ask the Taoiseach to ensure the HSE appoints a permanent consultant for the medical assessment unit in Nenagh.

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. I am a great believer in medical assessment units. They were a great innovation. They have been in operation for almost ten years and they work. In respect of Nenagh hospital, I certainly will engage with the Health Service Executive in respect of making sure the resources are provided that can underpin the sustained and continued availability of the unit on a full-time basis.