There are Members here who think representing Waterford consists of standing up and shouting the odds from the Opposition benches. There are other Members here who think it is not enough to describe a problem and that they have to be part of the solution. They roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. I could talk about the building of the second cath lab or the acquisition of the Waterford Crystal site. I could mention the groundbreaking investment we have seen in the North Quays. I will say this, however. A closed cath lab saves no lives. We have to provide staff in order to increase the opening hours. I believe there is some good news on that matter. Can the Taoiseach share whether there has been any progress on staffing?

I thank the Deputy for his question. As a TD representing the lovely city and county of Waterford and as a Minister of State in the Department of Health, I am pleased to inform the House of the position. First, however, I apologise to the Taoiseach that I did not have the information for him. This was due to the fact that it was only breaking news and that I was on a flight this morning that was delayed.

There is really positive news. The general manager of University Hospital Waterford received sanction to immediately commence recruitment to implement weekend cover in the cath lab under the pay and numbers strategy. Recruitment is expected to take approximately three months, with weekend cover expected to commence in October. Five consultant cardiologists will be part of the multidisciplinary teams providing 365-day cover, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. I thank Deputy Ó Cathasaigh and Senator John Cummins, who also encouraged their party leaders to support me while we worked on this for the past 12 months.