Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With respect, if the HSE had been allowed to get away with starting on 30 June, it would not have addressed any of our concerns. Regarding capacity at Drogheda, what will happen in terms of waiting times if a patient does not have a GP referral? It already has thousands of self-admitted patients. Was any consideration given to making Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, a fully functioning model 3 hospital? Would that have been an option? Was any consideration given to investing in the hospital and enhancing its existing services? It was only ten years ago we were discussing building a new regional hospital in Navan. If it was a good place for a regional hospital then, why is it not a good place to upgrade existing services now?