Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)

It was finally acknowledged yesterday that the north-eastern part of the country has the worst health services. It was also announced that a hospital centre of excellence will be built in the area, which I and Fine Gael have welcomed. However, it was also put clearly to us yesterday by the chief executive of the HSE that it will be on other people's heads if we do not accept their recommendations. Will the Tánaiste and Minister for Health say if during the nine years during which the hospital will be built, the hospitals already in Meath, Louth, Monaghan and Cavan will continue to be improved and have a standard as high as others in the country?

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