Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has called on Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to publish the report of the review of adult specialist cardiac services.

The Minister had previously confirmed that he had received and could publish the report. Teachta Cullinane criticised the previous government for its failure to fund a strategy for cardiovascular health.

The TD for Waterford said that the report should be published immediately for the purposes of transparency and to inform government negotiations. He said that the next Programme for Government should be informed by the report and should include commitments on improving cardiac care from prevention to 24/7 emergency care.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“The next Programme for Government should include explicit commitments on cardiovascular health, including 24/7 emergency cardiac care in the south east as well as a national strategy to improve prevention, screening, and primary care services as well as acute and emergency care.

“I have raised this issue with the Minister for Health on several occasions, including in October this year when the Minister confirmed he had the report and that he could publish it. He had sought to secure funding for the report before publishing it.

“The government did not consider or fund the report. This was a cynical exercise to avoid scrutiny and debate on the issue in advance of the election. This is a very serious matter and lives are at risk because of the lack of services in the south east.

“There is a responsibility on the Minister to now publish the report so that it can inform government talks and the programme for the next Government.

“It is essential that the next government implements a comprehensive strategy for improving heart health, emergency care, prevention, and local primary care. This cannot be developed if the report is kept under wraps. This delay is holding back much needed change.

“The Minister should put transparency first and publish the report. It is imperative that it is published before the next government is in place, and that a clear timeframe for delivery is included.”