Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

In her initial response, the Minister referred to moving "some stuff out" and other "stuff" in. Does she agree that this is a wholly inappropriate use of language to describe issues which directly impinge on people's lives? Does she understand that the decisions she takes affect the prospects of survival of people around the country?

The Minister is proceeding with the closure of hospital services without the so-called centres of excellence first being in place. How many centres of excellence for cancer care does she envisage will be rolled out? Is she aware that today a large body of people from Sligo gathered outside the House in protest at the prospect of the closure of a centre of excellence at Sligo General Hospital? What does she say to them? Does she have any assurance for the people of the north west regarding the provision of cancer care services at Sligo General Hospital? Is she aware that all shades of elected opinion in this House clearly indicated to the people who gathered outside the gates their support for the retention and development of the cancer service at the hospital? Will the Minister outline precisely what are the plans in this regard and give an assurance to the people of the north west that the services at Sligo General Hospital will be retained and developed?

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