Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I congratulate Deputy James Reilly for tabling this Private Members' motion. Its importance cannot be underestimated from the point of view of south Tipperary. This motion will help the situation in Clonmel hospital rather than jeopardise it.

It took until tonight to get the exact position of everyone in respect of future services in South Tipperary General Hospital. After rumour, innuendo and many statements in local newspapers, on local radio and in other media about the future of the hospital, last week we met with the HSE and for the first time we received reasonable assurances that in the short to medium-term the services are guaranteed. It is only tonight that we are happy that the commitment of the HSE officials last week will hold into the future.

This is of great importance because the concern of the people of south Tipperary was evidenced by 13,000 people marching on the streets of Clonmel earlier this year. The reason they marched is that south Tipperary has already been affected by reconfiguration. There was amalgamation of services in Cashel and Clonmel a number of years ago. Despite what Deputy Hoctor said, when Deputy Michael Noonan was Minister for Health, a plan was put in place for a top-class health service for the people of south Tipperary. He gave a commitment and a High Court order was made binding the Government to provide the services. Under no circumstances will the people of south Tipperary accept anything less. They have a fully functioning hospital, which is efficiently run with committed staff. The Minister of State was there and he saw it. There is no hospital to which people are more committed.

The community is committed to keeping the Clonmel hospital. This matter is above politics and jibing because the people believe in the hospital and in the services provided. They have suffered already. While I am in this House and while any Member is the Minister, I will not allow any situation to develop where those services are downgraded. The people deserve it and they have fought long and hard for this. Their commitment to the service goes beyond belief. I know of no situation where people are so committed to fighting. Let us forget the politics, the photographs, "The Frontline" programme, the newspapers and how people will vote. We want the services kept in south Tipperary.

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