Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)

In recent days there has been a conversation through the public domain in my constituency about fears and anxieties concerning future funding for Donegal Hospice. In the response from the HSE, I hope for confirmation and reassurance for existing patients and those who have contributed in a voluntary capacity through their time and financially over several years. It is equally important that we reassure those directly and indirectly involved in the hospice that there will be an answer to their concerns and reassurance for the wider community in Donegal, which has been extremely active in the genesis of the hospice movement through the continuation of the care and voluntary contributions to the hospice.

There is concern about the reduction in posts at the hospice from January 2011. At present there are three junior doctors working under a consultant along with other staff. We are at a period where we must consider reductions and funding withdrawals as a result of the financial situation. However, in the answer from the Minister of State I hope for reassurance for the people of Donegal, the patients and the volunteers in this movement so that even if there is a withdrawal of staff, we can have proper standards of patient safety. That is the matter I wish to highlight tonight. Will the Minister of State and the HSE reassure the public of Donegal and those involved in the hospice movement? This includes every person who has contributed time or a euro in a bucket in voluntary fund-raising and the organisations that have put their hearts into this movement. A hospice is not part of the Government. It may be a wing of the Government in terms of the Government providing financial input but it is part of the fabric of our society in Donegal. It belongs to the people and the people require answers on future commitments to patient safety. Patient safety is key to my raising this matter. Reassurance can only be provided through the Minister of State and the HSE, for which the Minister of State and the Minister for Health and Children have accountability. I want assurance provided to the families, to the patients and to the wider Donegal community. The Donegal community not only contributes to this but has been an integral part of the hospice movement in Donegal for years and intends to be part of it for years to come.

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