The Taoiseach visited Tipperary university hospital, TUH, in Clonmel some weeks ago to open a new modular unit. He was taken on a tour of the hospital. Like many hospitals across the country, it is under huge pressure. When I visited it last Friday evening, it was at 111% capacity. When the Taoiseach was there three weeks ago, they put plans for the St. Michael's unit before him. With that they could provide 33 extra beds at a very reasonable cost, which they envisage as one third of the cost of normal infrastructure. Depending on rising building costs, these 33 beds could be provided at a cost of between €7 and €9 million. The Taoiseach told hospital management that day that it was low-hanging fruit that needs to be delivered by the HSE. Have we made progress on getting these extra 33 beds for TUH? Will he give the House a progress report?

I did not realise that the Deputy was writing down everything I was saying in an informal capacity.

I do for important things like that, Taoiseach.

I always admire the innovation of hospital managers who, as we open one facility, hurriedly move you on to the next facility that they want to develop. I do take the point. I spoke to the Minister for Health and have spoken to the HSE chief executive officer on that project. It is a ready-made project that would provide 33 extra beds with a degree of investment. It makes sense to me and we will continue to push for its provision.