Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I am taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it provides an opportunity to outline to this House the position with regard to the provision of surgical services across the Cavan/Monaghan hospital group.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Responsibility for the provision of services at Monaghan General Hospital rests with the HSE.

The Department is advised by the HSE that the policy approach in respect of surgical services for the Cavan/Monaghan hospital group was set-out in the 2004 report of a steering group established by the former North Eastern Health Board. The steering group was representative of all the key stakeholders and included consultant surgeon, radiologist and physician representation from both hospital sites. The Department is further advised that the steering group's recommendations were unanimously approved by its members.

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