Sligo cardiac laboratory clarification
Senator Mooney corrects the cardiologist’s name; the Leader acknowledges the cardiac-service need in Sligo and Waterford, followed by thanks.
The cardiologist to whom I referred in Sligo Regional Hospital is Dr. Donal Murray, not Dr. Donal Kelly. I am slightly embarrassed that I did not get his name right.
Comment on this
Senator Paschal Mooney referred to the provision of a cath lab in Sligo Regional Hospital. I am acutely aware of the problems relating to cath labs because there is only one in Waterford, but there is a need to staff a second. The Senator is correct that if someone has a heart attack, there is a 90-minute window. Sligo is a case in point, but if someone has a heart attack in Waterford after 5 p.m. on a Friday, he or she will have to be transported to Cork. Therefore, a person has to have a heart attack between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, which is ridiculous. Nobody can legislate for this. It is a serious matter which I will bring to the attention of the Minister for Health because cath labs are an absolute necessity, especially in Sligo, as few facilities are available north of the town and in the north west. Perhaps the Senator might table a Commencement matter to elicit a response from the Minister on the issue.
I will address the other health matter raised, but I will have to amend the Order of Business because the Minister for Health who is to take statements on alcohol consumption will be held up in the other House dealing with matters relating to Portlaoise hospital during the Topical Issues debate. He is anxious to deal with these matters in the other House, but he is also anxious to attend this House to hear statements on alcohol consumption in Ireland. I, therefore, propose that the statements on alcohol consumption in Ireland now be taken at 5.30 p.m. and conclude not later than 7 p.m., with the Minister to be called on to reply not later than 6.50 p.m. That addresses some of the points raised on the Order of Business.
Senators Ivana Bacik and John Whelan and several others referred to HIQA's report on Portlaoise hospital. It is a damning report and the Government has accepted all eight recommendations. As Senator Ivana Bacik and others mentioned, there is a need for the specialisation of maternity services. I will ask the Minister to come to the House for a debate on the matter. He will deal with the matters relating to Portlaoise hospital in the other House.
Senators Ivana Bacik and Feargal Quinn referred to the success of the Springboard initiative. It is proving to be successful, to which the figures outlined by Senator Ivana Bacik attest.
The Senator also complimented the councils in Dublin on their efforts with community festivals. This is something local authorities throughout the country do well.
Senator David Norris spoke about the Living City initiative and was supported by Senator Paul Coghlan. There is no question that it is a very positive scheme which will prove beneficial in the cities involved. We referred to the scheme on the Order of Business last week. As Senator David Norris mentioned, capping the figure at 210 sq. m would rule out the inclusion of Georgian Dublin. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, as I do not believe it is the intention to exclude these wonderful houses.
