Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

During this meeting and beforehand, we have heard about transferring care into the community. At the same time, we are seeing decisions such as the decision to close St. Brigid's. As I said, at the meeting at the Hotel Minella we heard about the closure of another 350 beds. It seems crazy and it is baffling at the same time.

I do not believe Senator Craughwell, Deputy Buckley or any of the members will object if the committee requests that the HSE and HIQA appear before us in order that members can put this case to them. If need be, we will also ask the Minister to attend. I hope the witnesses will be happy with that proposal as a means of moving forward. We will ask HIQA and the HSE to explain what information they have given to the action group or, more to the point, what information they have not given to the group or to public representatives when we have sought information.

I thank the members from other parties and none. In three years, this is the largest attendance by so many parties and Independents. This will indicate to the witnesses how important the parties and Independents believe this matter to be. I hope this support will continue and the committee will try to help the case for opening St. Brigid's and getting answers for the action group. I have no doubt it will. I see in the Public Gallery that a wide range of political parties of different persuasions are represented. More than 11,000 signatures is a fair achievement to be able to kick off with, especially with the parties supporting that. Do the witnesses wish to make any closing statements before they leave?