Waterford FF TD Mary Butler has defended the Programme For Government when it comes to 24/7 cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford.
The parliamentary parties of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Greens endorsed the programme late last night.
There has been criticism that while the proposed deal commits to delivering the second cath lab at University Hospital Waterford, it does not mention 24/7 cardiology services, which Mary Butler campaigned to deliver.
Deputy Butler says a second permanent cath lab is the first step and said she is still committed to a full service.
"Let's be quite clear. This is a 100 per cent increase in hours that it will open - currently open between 39-40 hours a week. And we will move immediately to an 84 hour level of cover. The main focus is the delivery of equality of access to cardiac care on a 24/ 7 basis that is my focus. The challenge will still be getting seven consultants on a permanent basis, this is not just a matter of write it on paper and you can deliver.' In order to deliver 24/7 care, you have to deliver a second cath lab - it is on the way."
Meanwhile the Programme for Government has been criticised by Sinn Fein's David Cullinane for its lack of commitment to Waterford.
The proposal makes reference to the South East Palliative Care Centre saying it's one of the hospice units that will be opened this year.
The draft document includes a mission for balanced regional development with a plan to develop the cities of Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway as viable alternatives to Dublin.
He said there is : "No reference to 24/7 cardiology services at UHW, no mention of funding for a new University for the Southeast, no mention of Waterford Airport, no mention of the North Quays Project. We need clarity on all these issues. Waterford cannot be left behind again because Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael want to carve up power and exclude Sinn Féin. This is not what people voted for."
