Roscommon hospital and capital spending
The Leader defended investment in Roscommon hospital, credited recent political representatives with securing progress, and said no project would be cancelled because of the children’s hospital overrun. He pointed to Project Ireland 2040 and the ongoing capital programme.
We know where he is. That is not the issue. It is the governance that is at issue.
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I am not disagreeing with Senator Conway-Wash.
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We can come into this House and be critical of people or entities but we need to do so in a manner that is constructive. As Senator Hopkins rightly said, it is important that a strategy is put in place to work with the families on a pathway to services for young people. I reiterate my support in that regard.
Senator Nash raised the issue of migrant workers, in particular migrant fisherman. The point he made is important and I will endeavour to provide time for a debate on the issue of exploitation.
Senator O'Reilly commended the Minister, Deputy Ring, on the introduction of the rural regeneration grants. We all commend the Minister, Deputy Ring, on his recent announcement in that regard and on the importance and priority he places on rural Ireland.
Senator Leyden-----
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He is outside interpreting.
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To be honest, I do not know where to begin.
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I want to commend Senator Feighan, who is not here. I recall when Senator Leyden was in government there was a former Independent Deputy named Tom Fox, who was elected on foot of the Roscommon hospital issue, which highlighted the failure of the Fianna Fáil Government of which Senator Leyden was a member to invest in Roscommon hospital. Thankfully, subsequent to that we had the arrival of Senators Feighan and Hopkins to the Oireachtas, who have ensured there is investment in Roscommon hospital. As Senator Leyden knows, it is busier now than it ever was previously.
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It would not be there had I not been around at the time.
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As stated by Senator Hopkins the funding for the design process for the Sacred Heart Hospital has been put in place. The HSE has confirmed that construction of the 50 bed residential care unit is expected to commence in late 2020. We should be focused on the overall capital spend. It is important to make the point that no project will be cancelled as a result of the reprofiling around the national children's hospital. Under Project Ireland 2040, the Government's €160 billion capital investment plan is under way, is on time and it will deliver. Unlike the Fianna Fáil Party-----