A spokesperson for the Health Minister insists that Simon Harris remains “absolutely committed” to the planned 60-bed modular unit at University hospital Limerick.
It comes in the wake of criticism from Clare’s Independent TD, Dr Michael Harty, who has announced that, because a planned modular unit at University Hospital Limerick won’t open next winter, he will support a Sinn Féin motion of no confidence in Minister Harris tomorrow.
However, he’s been sharply criticised for this, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports.
Clare’s Independent TD says he’s lost faith, trust and confidence in the Health Minister.
Dr Michael Harty had planned to abstain in tomorrow night’s motion of no confidence in Simon Harris, but has decided to vote no confidence in him after Clare FM revealed that that the 60-bed modular unit at Dooradoyle will now not open until mid-2020 at the earliest.
Minister Harris is expected to survive the motion, but Dr Harty believes it’s important to show that he can’t enjoy the confidence of the opposition, if he can’t deliver on promises.
A Clare Fine Gael TD has defended Minister Harris, saying he has every confidence that the new unit at Dooradoyle will be delivered, and that he’s satisfied with the timeframe.
Joe Carey says patients in the Midwest have been getting a raw deal when it comes to healthcare provision but he believes that once the project is completed, patient experience will improve.
Speaking on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, Deputy Carey accused Dr Harty of flip-flopping on his decision to abstain from tomorrow’s vote.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Health Minister has today re-iterated to Clare FM that the Minister is “absolutely” committed to the new unit, and that it will be funded in the HSE’s Capital Plan.
