Reference was made earlier to Independent Ireland and a vote in the European Parliament. I want to put on the record that Independent Ireland issued a statement to make it very clear that we stand with the people in Limerick and surrounding areas who have large mortgages and young families. The facts are not out yet on the percentages one way or the other. I want that on the record rather than innuendo being spread. Every one of us here has probably had contact with the National Rehabilitation Hospital. It does great work to bring people, who were involved in accidents, suffer strokes or have different illnesses, back to full health. It is to be commended on what it has done down through the years for many families. Phase 1 of its project was finished in 2020. It was actually brought in on budget and has been a huge success. Phase 2 is to bring add-on parts of it all together in a new build. Phase 3 will increase the number of beds from something like 125 to 220 or 230. One of the Minister's party colleagues announced in 2018 that Roscommon would get a specialised 20-bed unit to cover the west and north west. There are satellite units in Mayo, Galway and other counties throughout the country. While the huge work being done there is acknowledged, it is widely known that there is basically a waiting list of a minimum of six months, which, for people who need the help and the expertise the National Rehabilitation Hospital gives, can be a long time waiting. In some cases if people do not get in in time, it may have an adverse effect. When will the Government put the capital into phase 2 and phase 3? For the specialised unit to cover the west and the north west, which was announced eight years ago, where are we at in making sure that it will complement the National Rehabilitation Hospital here in Dublin and take pressure off it? When will the beds be supplied in phase 3 here in Dublin?

Sentiment score: 0.14

I thank the Minister. However, there is one thing we need to know. It is important the Department of Health and indeed the Department of public expenditure engage with the people involved in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. We frequently hear about assessments. As the Minister is aware, the reality that it takes six months for some people to get in the door to get on the road to recovery. While initially they may be in step-down services trying to help them as best they can, they need the expertise of the National Rehabilitation Hospital. When will phase 2 be funded and started? I think all the parts of it are done, bar funding. When will the specialised unit be put in place in Roscommon to serve the people in the west and the north west?

Sentiment score: 0.18