Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

——and the development of an enhanced ambulance and pre-hospital thrombolysis service. The HSE now expects that these developments will not be in place until late November or early December 2008. On that basis it is now intended that the changeover will take place two months after the medical assessment unit opens. This will remain under review and the transfer will be announced in due course once these key elements have been delivered.

With regard to Monaghan General Hospital the existing medical wards will in the future provide rehabilitation and step-down services. There will be 26 such beds including 13 for rehabilitation and 13 beds for step-down care. This will be in addition to day surgery, outpatient and minor injury services.

I understand that senior HSE management are today briefing staff at Monaghan General Hospital along with the union and staff representative bodies on these intended changes. I understand that the changes planned may give rise to a requirement for up to 130 staff to be redeployed. Staff are being advised that the jobs of permanent staff or temporary staff who have acquired rights under relevant legislation will be protected.

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