Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The Ceann Comhairle is very indulgent in allowing the Deputy to raise the issue.

Agreement was reached in 1996 to amalgamate acute services in south Tipperary requiring the transfer of surgical and accident and emergency services from Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel, to South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel. Deputy Healy referred to the historical background. That agreement provided for the development of disability, palliative care and mental health services and services for older people on the site of Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel. It is planned to complete the developments in Cashel in two phases. The first phase has now been completed, comprising three units, a 20-bed unit for the elderly mentally infirm, a 12-place supervised community residence, day hospital and day centre, sector headquarters for mental health services, 12 independent living units and a day care centre for people with physical disabilities.

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