Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Finneran for sharing his time. It is important for the people I represent to have the highest level and quality of medical care for any illness from which they may suffer which equates to the level of service provided anywhere else nationally. I recognise the Minister's argument that the necessary level of service cannot always be delivered by the smaller hospitals and that people must travel to receive certain forms of treatment.

Significant changes have taken place over a number of years in the delivery of day-care services and primary care and these have given rise to concern at a number of hospitals including Monaghan General Hospital in my constituency. Monaghan General Hospital provides a very good medical service which is comparable with services available elsewhere and it should continue to be provided there. Day cases in surgery at the hospital are being dealt with very efficiently as are many others. While a new regional hospital is to be provided, it is imperative that existing services continue to be provided in Monaghan. We should be considering opportunities for the development of further services up to the time the regional hospital is provided. A good example is the development of the ear, nose and throat service at Monaghan under the HSE transformation programme.

Adversarial politics does not always serve the best interests of people who are ill. To exaggerate circumstances and provide misleading information frightens patients. I would like those who are constantly critical to look more objectively at the true circumstances and consider how they can contribute to the actions necessary to ensure that everyone has equal access to state-of-the-art health care having regard to developments over the past 25 years.

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