Hospital Facilities
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-11
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Mary Butler (FF), Waterford

The Senator mentioned CAST. Superintendent Andrew Lacey drove this from the start. I have a had a lot of discussions with him. That is a sign of a positive initiative that should be replicated around the country. That is what we are hoping to do. It is really important that the staff are in place to deliver the vital services. I also compliment the regional executive officer, Sandra Broderick, who is open to discussions with all politicians and has made significant changes there.
I have some statistics. In December 2020 there were 141 consultants. In April 2026 there were 196, an increase of 55. That is a difference of 39% and is replicated across the region. I take on board what the Senator has said. I will bring back to the Minister the issue of accelerated recruitment because health has to be a top-down approach with the consultants leading. We are also hearing about Croom, Ennis, Nenagh and St. John's hospitals. I am embedded in the fact that healthcare is from the cradle to the grave but much of the healthcare is delivered in the community. When you have strong communities, it takes the pressure off the emergency department. The Senator's point is well made, and I will bring it back to the Minister for her attention.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-11/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:03+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-11