Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

In a brief follow-on to the Taoiseach's response, I note that while it is all very well to make the point that Deputy Healy Rae will employ all means and methods of communicating with his constituents, this is a case of smoke and mirrors. The Taoiseach is playing that game himself by not being absolutely up-front in his response. A nod and wink approach always is taken in this regard and it is not all on Deputy Healy-Rae's side. It is also on the Taoiseach's side because he would have us believe, as the Minister for Health and Children, who is beside him, has stated ad nauseam, that the HSE makes determinations in regard to hospital configuration and the network. I have heard that probably more often than any Deputy given the constituency I represent and my home county of Monaghan. However, the Taoiseach is happy to allow Deputy Healy-Rae make whatever claims he likes and he is not prepared to discount them and to make it clear that is not the way hospital facilities are secured. I wish the people of Kenmare well and while I support the provision of such a facility, I want equity across the board and equal access to all hospital services. Does the Taoiseach agree a more upfront reply from him would clarify for all Deputies and the wider populous the position that must apply to the configuration of hospital services and it is not a gift he or anyone else can offer to a Deputy as a trade off for his or her support and votes in the House?

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