Until capital funding is approved for Kerry University Hospital to allow them to build a new Pathology Department patients are set to face more delays, according to Fianna Fail.

Deputy Brassil was commenting after receiving a response from the HSE to his PQ to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris.

He said: "As of July 2017, this funding has been approved, and there was no commitment given to me in the PQ reply that a decision is expected anytime soon.

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"While some new machines have been installed at the existing department, there isn't enough space for the full range of equipment.

"Until capital funding is approved for Kerry University Hospital to allow them to build the new department, Kerry patients will not have access to proper and full pathology services.

"It is beyond shocking that the tender process for the new equipment was not facilitated at the same time as the application for capital funding for a new pathology department.

"Joined up thinking seems to be an alien concept to many officials in the upper echelons of the HSE.

"The Minister for Health must approve the capital funding request for the new Pathology Department to ensure that the full range of equipment can be used by Kerry patients."

(CD/MH)