The Junior Minister at the centre of a dispute over cardiac services in Waterford has challenged Fianna Fáil to call an election over the issue.
John Halligan says it would prove Fianna Fail's commitment to a second permanent 'cath lab' at the University Hospital there.
Deputy Halligan reached a deal last week for a mobile cath lab to be provided at the hospital for limited hours.
In Dáil Eireann today Deputy Halligan and Waterford TD Mary Butler both spoke on the issue
Mary Butler TD said:
"Minister as you are well aware there is currently no provision for cardiology care in the South East after 5pm every day and no availability at all at the weekend.
It's simply not acceptable in 2017 that time restrictions play such a role in the day to day lives and deaths of our people.
Last Saturday, in excess of 7000 people took to the streets of Waterford to vent their anger, frustrations and hurt.
Why are we in the South East being treated as second class citizens?"
Deputy Halligan then went on to challenge the government:
"If you really are sincere, you(Fianna Fáil) hold a majority say in this Government. Not the Independent Alliance. Put down a motion of no confidence in the Government if they don't bring forward the second cath lab. That will do it."
