Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane today gave a cautious welcome to the Minister for Health’s announcement that we will make an allocation for staff for the South East Palliative Care Centre in Waterford, adding that it has to be the full allocation needed to open the unit.

Deputy Cullinane said:

“Today I questioned the Minister for Health on funding for the South East Palliative Care Centre and he was able to tell me that he will be making an allocation in the budget for staff  costs to open the centre.

“This is to be welcomed, but at the same time we need to be sure that the funds will be enough to open the centre as a matter of urgency.

 “When fully operational the unit will have 20 in-patient bedrooms with individual gardens for clients requiring the expertise of a specialist palliative care multi-disciplinary team, and the budget allocation must be enough to make this happen.

“This is cost €4.8m and the Minister needs to make that allocation in the estimates.

“The Waterford Hospice Movement and the South East CHO need certainty going forward, especially after so many hold-ups.

“I will be meeting the Minister tomorrow along with other public representatives for Waterford and I will press home the issue of funding and that he commits to €4.8m in order to allow the centre to be fully operational.”