Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputy Sherlock. One of the issues Deputy Sherlock and I have in common is Mallow General Hospital. I congratulate Deputy Sherlock on his efforts for the hospital over many years.

Mallow General Hospital is just outside my constituency but serves many people from Cork North-West stretching back to Limerick West. Once, Mallow General Hospital was threatened with closure but I am pleased that threat has been lifted. What is needed is to ensure the proper facilities are put in place. There have been a number of commitments in regard to Mallow General Hospital and in recent years many improvements have been made.

I ask the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children to outline his Department's vision and that of the Health Service Executive for the future of Mallow General Hospital. I have been a patient of that hospital as have members of my family and I cannot praise sufficiently the level of care provided. Many of my constituents who have had reason to be patients of Mallow General Hospital have spoken of the excellent care provided to them.

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