Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

On page 36 of the programme for Government a reference is made to reforming the use of hospital beds to ensure equity of access and that patients are treated quickly, and to increase the number of consultants in accident and emergency units. In light of speculation that the HSE and the Department of Health and Children are to rationalise certain hospital facilities in the south east, particularly accident and emergency services, will the Taoiseach assure us categorically that there will be no closure of accident and emergency facilities in Kilkenny, Clonmel or Wexford and that the accident and emergency trauma facilities will not be centralised to Waterford Regional Hospital?

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