Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I would like to be associated with the Minister's kind remarks in wishing the Leas-Cheann Comhairle well and to assure him that we, on this side of the House, will support him in his difficult task.

I thank the Minister for her reply. She has confirmed to the House that RKW undertook, at the request of the HSE and her Department, to identify locations for the new centres? Why then did the Minister announce on 16 May last the development of a new children's care centre in Tallaght which many of us representing the local area believe is an attempt to substitute for the closure of our local children's hospital? Why did the Minister make that announcement before RKW had completed its work and was still involved in ongoing discussions with all the stakeholders? Did the Minister consult or inform Professor Drumm and the HSE of her intention to make the announcement on 16 May?

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