Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That would be useful to have. I thank the Minister for the approach. I brought forward a motion with my colleagues in the Independent Group. The motion did not call for the emergency department to be reopened immediately, given the constraints identified by the Minister. Many accept that an emergency department can only be safely opened in a model 3 hospital where there is an intensive care unit. I know that is no longer how it is described but it is effectively an intensive care unit. The motion called for 24-7 opening of the medical assessment unit and the local injuries unit. I thank the Minister for accepting that and not resisting it and, more importantly, for moving towards that. It is an important step towards providing more emergency care in the area. It is only a step, though.