I want to raise an issue in Mallow General Hospital, which is in my home town. Over the past six months, the day ward has been closed on several occasions to facilitate overcrowding in Cork University Hospital, the Mercy Hospital and Kerry University Hospital. It is entirely unacceptable that day procedures would be halted for several days to facilitate overcrowding. People in genuine need of these day ward procedures have often been told on the morning of their procedure that it has been cancelled. This issue has been highlighted to me by members of staff in Mallow General Hospital and by patients. I am not placing blame here, and I commend the Government and previous Governments on the significant investment in Mallow General Hospital. We are very proud of our hospital. Will the Taoiseach provide a specific date for the opening of the 24 inpatient beds? I want an actual date, and no more "quarter 1" or "quarter 2" predictions. On 3 December 2025, I was told that it would be the end of quarter 1 2026. We are very much near the end of that now. These beds will help with overcrowding in our larger hospitals. They will keep day ward services constant and continue to upgrade the services in Mallow General Hospital.

Deputy Stanley spoke about waiting for a decade and a half. I have waited about three and a half decades for a Member from the Opposition to compliment the Government on its investment in Mallow hospital, so I will take it.

The previous Deputy, Seán Sherlock, would have as well.

It is a very significant moment. People have used that for their campaigns for about 50 years. To get praise for the investment in the hospital is a major watershed moment politically. I jest, but Deputy Kenny makes a very serious point. Mallow General Hospital, Bantry General Hospital, Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital all have to be used now as part of integrated care model. Cork University Hospital covers the entire region. If there are huge pressures on its emergency services, it makes sense to use Mallow hospital every now and again if there are spare beds to alleviate the pressure at Cork University Hospital. I take the Deputy's point, however. Optimally, we want the day procedures operating all of the time, 24-7, if possible, for throughput, and also getting that further project completed.

Will the Taoiseach provide a date on the opening?

The Taoiseach will have to come back to the Deputy in writing.

I will come back to the Deputy with a date.