Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand there will be scaling up with the two 96-bed blocks, a surgical hub, etc. What concerns me is the impression that is given that there could be a recommendation for a model 3 hospital. When I put that to Dr. Henry and others at a committee meeting last November, it was made abundantly clear that the clinical advice is absolutely cast iron that the recommendation is for the expansion of the capacity at UHL. That is the only show in town and there is no other. Yet, there are media reports. The Minister said in the Dáil last week that he would not rule anything out. As a result, there is a growing expectation in the mid-west that this regional executive officers' capacity review will come back and make a recommendation for a model 3 hospital. Is that a fair assessment of the situation?