Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

There is considerable merit in Deputy Twomey's proposal. We must have more routine services for children spread throughout the country within easy reach of families. On my visit to Cork on Monday to open the new accident and emergency department at Cork University Hospital, I saw that the hospital has a separate child-friendly accident and emergency facility. However, Deputy Twomey's suggestion regarding a tertiary facility for a population of 4 million makes sense. Clearly, we would need to avail of the best expertise in this area. It is always better to bring those providing a national service together in a single location. I will bear that in mind in the context of a decision on Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children.

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