Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

——about what has been a very important contributory fact, the inquiry must include an examination of the disastrous policies that directly contributed to the death of Mr. Patrick Walsh and so many others. Will the Taoiseach instruct the Tánaiste at this late stage, as Minister with responsibility for health, to in turn instruct the HSE to put Monaghan General Hospital back on emergency surgical call? We need the restoration of what we and most reasonable people throughout this country view as a fundamental service and an expectation of any citizen of what should be available at a local general hospital. It is still a general hospital in name at least. Surgical services, including accident and emergency, are a key component of that delivery mechanism.

I ask the Taoiseach to ensure this is the legacy of the tragic death of Mr. Patrick Walsh and many more and not to have a situation arise where I and my colleague Deputies from counties Cavan and Monaghan and other concerned voices throughout the country must confront him with yet another tragedy within our community.

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