I will take this on the basis of it being a health matter. The HSE and the NCCP have recently been working with community organisations to distribute the 2025 funding of €5.5 million. The first call for the full members of the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres, of which Purple House is one, is now almost complete and the second call for the associate members is now under way. I think some of the groups the Deputy mentioned are within that group. The Alliance has 21 full members and 22 associate members. The associate members will now go through that process as well but the priority is, of course, for the full members.

Sentiment score: -0.04

I thank the Deputy for her question. This concern is specific to Portiuncula, which demonstrated a much higher than expected rate of requirement for Caesarean sections and cooling of the baby. This was a specific issue. All of the recommendations of the Walker report were implemented. There has been a 100% increase in the number of obstetric consultants and a 25% increase in the number of midwives at Portiuncula. The report has been implemented and increased resources were provided yet there is still a problem. We have to respond to that problem from a patient safety perspective. High-risk pregnancies are being moved to Galway. I have visited the maternity unit in Galway. I know what the Deputy means. I am seeking significant capital funding to transform Galway hospital, including the maternity unit, and to make sure the resources are available in the longer term as well.

Sentiment score: 0.14