I was very pleased to meet with Eric, Emily, Niamh, David and Oisín. I thank the Deputy for bringing them in. I have already followed up on the different physiotherapy and other supports that should be due to them and to get an assessment of what they should be getting and what they are getting. With regard to the drug, we have a series of different drugs that are coming on stream. The Taoiseach and I have discussed the increasing the drugs budget. We are very aware of how much we are already spending on that, how much we want to provide and where we need to go with that. Crucially, with regard to one of their asks, we are shortening the process for the assessment of the reimbursement process, which is going to be 180 days. We do recognise the very considerable the impact that many of these drugs - without speaking to any one of them in particular - would have on people's lives and the cost of that to the State. Reconciling that is something the Taoiseach and I are very aware of.

Sentiment score: 0.14

In relation to Swords, I am pleased to announce today €1.4 million in the HSE capital plan to take the premises the Deputy referenced to design feasibility stage, which is positive progress. In relation to a primary care centre in Donabate, we have had to look at other options for delivering it because the tender did not work; it was not value for money for the State to progress with the tender that came into us. We are trying to see what other options are possible to cater for that growing population. Today, I am announcing a total of approximately €25 million investment for Beaumont Hospital, which is of course relevant to the people off the Deputy’s area. I will keep him up-to-date in relation to Donabate and what options are possible. That was not an appropriate price for the State for that project but we will do everything we can to progress it.

Sentiment score: 0.37

The Deputy is right. What we did in Letterkenny and Sligo was additional, and not instead of. It was not a regional spread but it was additional. That is very important. In relation to diabetes, the Deputy is right that there is a very good hub, the Benbulbin hub in Sligo, dealing with diabetes, respiratory and cardiology. What we want to see is that replicated in other parts of the country, such as Letterkenny. That is what we are trying to do. The Deputy will be aware that Letterkenny has the very excellent virtual community care centre in the Errigal hub, which provides countrywide leading services for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses. There is a clear opportunity to build on that in the Errigal hub, which is an excellent facility across the road from Letterkenny University Hospital.

Sentiment score: 0.26