Last week on Leaders' Questions the Tánaiste expressed exasperation at what he sees as a false narrative I am laying concerning his support for Waterford and the south east. He mentioned University Hospital Waterford so I will put some figures on the record. The current staffing level at the hospital is 2,800 whole-time equivalents. Its peer model 4 hospitals of Limerick, Cork, Galway and St. Vincent's average 4,850. There head count at Waterford hospital is 2,000 less. The budgets for Limerick, Galway, Cork and St. Vincent's average €400 million per annum while that for University Hospital Waterford is €290 million. That is €110 million less. The hospital last year had the busiest emergency department in the country, yet no emergency staff were added to the cohort there. It has one of the largest patient catchments nationally. Despite that and its low employment numbers, it was subject to the recruitment embargo and the HSE has announced in the latest round of 2,600 additional staff that the hospital has been allocated just 40 additional posts. On top of that, the cardiac review has not reported and the seven-day service has been postponed and will not start before October.

Stop running down your own city.

Talk sense.

I am so proud to be from Waterford.

I thank the Deputy for his generosity of spirit in texting me on Sunday congratulating the Cork hurling team on its success.

Of course, because I am a gracious person. Of course I did.

Waterford hospital is one of the best-performing hospitals in the country. I pay tribute to all the staff who work there. We are committed to increasing investment in the hospital. In 2019, it had a budget of €201 million; in 2024, the budget is more than €290 million. That has grown by €89 million, which is a substantial investment.

That is €100 million less than its peers.

Staffing in the hospital has grown by 841, or 44%, since the end of December 2019, from 1,949 to 2,805.

Because it was the lowest in the country.

There are 47 more consultants, 100 additional non-consultant hospital doctors and 370 more nurses and midwives, as well as 123 additional health and social care professionals. It has dramatically increased.