A Waterford Independent TD says that the Taoiseach's 2016 pre-election promise that there would be 24-7 Cardiac Care at University Hospital Waterford, will not be forgotten by voters in the South-East.
Speaking in the Dáil during Leaders' Questions, Deputy Matt Shanahan told Michéal Martin his legacy depends on securing the service, as well as the delivery of the Technological University of the South-East (TUSE).
The Waterford TD said a photo that was taken on the grounds of University Hospital Waterford prior to the 2016 General Election was vital to the restoration of Fianna Fáil's seat in Waterford.
"That picture was at the centre of the Taoiseach's 2016 campaign. The Taoiseach did not stand and promise another study, review or investigation.
"He deliberately stood on the grounds of UHW and committed to delivering a long-promised life-saving service and one which is available to people in every region of the country except those of us in the South East," Shanahan said.
County rivalry
Using GAA as an anecdote for the current geographical makeup of the government, Matt Shanahan told Micheál Martin that it seems as though Cabinet Ministers are 'playing for their own county'.
"I used to think the oft-quoted Fianna Fáil reflection on Government as "senior hurling" was about political competition, the training and effort taken, the resilience and gumption required and the skill of our national sport, not that our Cabinet members tog out in their individual county jerseys.
"The mean-spirited question I have for the Taoiseach, for which I apologise in advance, is whether he is a Cork Taoiseach or a Taoiseach who just happens to be from Cork"
"There are huge swaths of the country that feel unrepresented by the current Cork-Dublin Cabinet," Deputy Shanahan said.
Taoiseach on 24/7 Cardiac Care
When asked whether the current Government would commit to delivering 24-7 Cardiac Care at University Hosptial Waterford, Taoiseach Micheál Martin referenced works that are underway for a second Cath lab at the hospital.
"The programme for Government commits to the delivery of a second cath lab in University Hospital Waterford.
"Funding has been allocated and the project commenced in May of this year, with a work programme of around 13 months. The equipping and staffing of the lab is provided for and will happen.
"We need to get the second cath lab built and staffed. That is how to progress it and get a 24-hour service. You have to progress it. The Deputy knows that at this stage," the Taoiseach said.
Deputy Shanahan proceeded to ask Micheál Martin again and said he had 'spectacularly failed to answer the question'.
"What I take from that is that his hard answer is "No" and that he will leave office in December 2022, in 14 months, without that promise to the people of the South-East being kept." Deputy Shanahan said.
Technological University
Deputy Shanahan criticised the Taoiseach's past failings during his time as Minister for Education and said 24 years ago, it was Micheál Martin who hindered the progression of WIT's university status.
"At this point in time, the Taoiseach's legacy in the South East is from his time as Minister for Education when, under pressure from Cork, he undid the institute of technology upgrade in 1997," Shanahan said.
However, in response, the Taoiseach said Deputy Shanahan should instead be 'talking-up Waterford' and what WIT has achieved since then.
"Waterford Institute of Technology has really advanced over the last decade or two and has developed significant specialities, not least in the areas of enterprise and industry and quite a number of foreign direct investments have occurred as a result of that.
"I would say that the time has come to talk up Waterford and its third level institution because it has a lot to commend itself on - that is what I would do."
"I have great belief in that institute and I believe that along with IT Carlow it is going to become a technological university, which is great for the region.
"We are committed to doing that and to the consequential investments that will be required," Micheál Martin said.
