Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the interest he has shown in this matter and for facilitating me and Deputy Crowe again. The reason we have raised the issue together, as neighbours in Tallaght, is because of our extreme concern regarding the manner in which this issue is now developing and the way it is being handled. Less than 50 days remain before the general election and a great deal of politics is in the offing. However, the people of Tallaght seek clarity in respect of the hospital's future. The HSE took the decision, approved by the Government, to locate the new major children's hospital — some call it a "super hospital" — at the Mater site. We had difficulty in accepting that but we have moved on. Now we want to know what the future plans are for Tallaght Hospital.

I was present some weeks ago when the Taoiseach visited the CDI project in Jobstown and members of the national media asked him if the children's hospital in Tallaght would close, as is claimed by some political posters in Tallaght and even in The Echo this morning. He said the children's services at Tallaght Hospital are not closing. That is the question we want answered. I raised the matter last week in the Dáil. The Ceann Comhairle is aware that I have raised it at every opportunity at the committee on health and in the Dáil in various Adjournment debates and through other procedures. Last week the Minister said that no decision has yet been taken as far as the future delivery of services in the region is concerned.

The Echo covers local issues well. It states in its editorial this morning:

'Medical politics' is a very interesting phenomenon that looks set to feature strongly in the election whenever it is called. The phrase is extremely apt in terms of our report this week on whether it is actually possible for Tallaght Hospital to co-operate with the planned new children's hospital at the Mater. It seems that the charter that rules what Tallaght Hospital can and cannot do dictates that it must develop and improve the facilities at the hospital. Obviously moving any part of the operation to the Mater ..... would conflict with this obligation.

Another report that has worried people in the Tallaght region suggests that the Department of Health and Children has sent a copy of the proposed statutory instruments to the hospital. A prominent member of the hospital board and the director of the Adelaide Hospital Society made reference to that at a political party meeting last week. It prompted a member of the Tallaght Hospital Action Group to say: "These statutory instruments will finally bring into law what we are all afraid of — Tallaght Hospital closing".

The Minister will understand my concern and emotions on this subject. Even if I did not live in and represent Tallaght, I would still believe that the Tallaght Hospital services must be maintained.

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