Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I am replying to this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney.

The HSE has advised the Department that no decisions have been taken regarding a reduction in services at hospitals in the HSE north-east area, including Monaghan General Hospital.

The HSE has indicated that it is facing a challenging year ahead and is exploring how best to deliver services within budget. Senior managers in the north-east area met recently to discuss budgets for 2008 and how services could be delivered within budget. A document which was leaked to the media is a draft internal document arising from that meeting which sets out certain options for consideration. The HSE has advised that it expects to be in a position by mid-February to be more definitive about service provision for the year.

I want to emphasise that the Minister has previously been given an assurance by the HSE that in progressing the reconfiguration of services in the north east, including services at Monaghan General Hospital, there will be no discontinuation of existing services until suitable alternative arrangements have been put in place.

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