James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State response. I refer to this hospital at the request of Barry O'Neill, who is a councillor in the area, to ensure that it is not further downgraded. The Minister of State alluded to it being a 40-bed unit; I visited it in June when 30 beds were in operation and now there are 20 beds. There seems to be a fairly aggressive downgrading of the hospital. These hospitals are extremely important in community care, particularly in areas such as Donegal which has a very rural spread with very long distances and difficult roads to traverse from one place to another. Everyone in the House would agree that the best outcome for people if they have to go into a nursing home is that it be in their community where their friends and loved ones can visit them. Otherwise, what happens is that they wither on the vine. Will the Minister of State give a commitment that this facility will not be further downgraded or closed?

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