Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

As a result, the issue of Monaghan General Hospital would have been catapulted to major national attention.

Deputy Conlon mentioned scurrilous attacks. I wish to refer to just one such attack which I heard this evening on the "Drivetime" programme on RTE radio, when Deputy O'Hanlon actually had the gall to blame those courageous people who have campaigned in defence of the hospital for the removal of services. Apparently, we should all have remained quiet while our betters decided what was best for us. Those days are long gone. Deputy O'Hanlon and his colleagues should hang their heads in shame because their inaction has helped bring about this mortal attack on a hospital that has served generations of the people of County Monaghan and served them well.

The Minister for Health and Children is not present in the House.

She, like the Taoiseach, had escaped before the announcement was made yesterday and Professor Brendan Drumm had wrapped up his opportunity the previous morning before the Joint Committee on Health and Children. As for the Minister of State, who is the messenger of the Minister-----

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