Hospital Facilities
Seanad Éireann — 2025-12-17
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Dee Ryan (FF), Nominated by the Taoiseach

That is great news. I am delighted to hear that Minister, Deputy Chambers, will be supporting us in this. I know he will not be found wanting. I am looking forward to hearing the Minister for Health’s decision on the maternity hospital relocation. We would, of course, advocate for the relocation and colocation of it closer to UHL.
While yesterday’s Cabinet decision is very welcome and nothing less than what the people of the mid-west need and deserve, it is, of course, a long-term plan and pathway to safer care. The reality is that patient care for people in the mid-west is no different now than it was yesterday or than it will be tomorrow or next winter. That remains unacceptable. It will be 2029 before the next major block of acute beds will be delivered. I am firmly of the view that urgent interim measures are required in the years between now and then. I will continue to engage with the Minister on what immediate actions can be taken in the interim for the people in the mid-west while we await delivery of this very welcome medium- and long-term solutions.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2025-12-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:28+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-17