Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy mentioned what is happening in the mid-west. He also referred to the north east. We are trying to reconfigure services in a manner that is consistent with public safety. We will provide the best possible service to the people, within the confines of the finances available to us. A considerable amount of resources continues to be provided for our health services. Outputs are increasing, in line with best practice, and the number of day cases being seen is increasing. The improvement in community services is a welcome aspect of the development of our health service. I do not regard the facilities that offer acute health services as stand-alone institutions. Our hospital network is in the best position to deliver such care to our people, in the context of the current budgetary situation. It is only right and proper that we should support that network. I will continue to travel to various parts of the country, as planned, in advance of next month's elections.

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