We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

HIQA mid-west emergency report

Summary

Willie O'Dea pressed for the overdue HIQA report on emergency services in the mid-west and Limerick University Hospital. The Minister said HIQA had sought extra time and the report had still not been received.

Some 17 months have elapsed since HIQA was tasked with the objective of looking at the totally inadequate accident and emergency services in the mid-west, particularly in Limerick University Hospital, and making recommendations on what should be done. They informed us at the time that they would take a year to report, which we did not agree with but had to accept. Some 17 months have now elapsed. I have a reply from the Taoiseach dated 6 November 2024 confirming that the final report would be available in May 2025. We are nearly at the end of September 2025 and I am very anxious to know when that report will materialise. Is the Government committed to implementing the recommendations when it does?

Comment on this

The Deputy will be aware that I updated the House in May that HIQA had looked for an extension of that timeline, and intended to finalise the report in September. I can confirm to the Deputy that I have not received it from HIQA yet. It is the intention of the Government to examine the recommendations of HIQA and take them extremely seriously. I have not seen it and have not received the report yet.

Comment on this