Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

This is the first opportunity I have had to address the Minister on issues of concern to us all. I wish him well in his new role and responsibilities. It is no coincidence that I have chosen as the subject of my first priority question to him the hospital I know best, the one chosen to act as a blueprint for the decimation by a series of former Governments of local services at local hospital sites. Monaghan General Hospital was used as a template that was subsequently visited on other communities. The Minister will recall that his party colleague former Deputy Seymour Crawford and I were consistent voices not only in support of the retention of services at Monaghan General Hospital but also post the removal of these services.

Notwithstanding what he has said in a vague and non-committal reply, will the Minister make a commitment at the commencement of this Dáil to revisit the failed hospital configuration in the north east, specifically as it affects Monaghan General Hospital, while recognising the impact of the loss of services at both Louth County Hospital, Dundalk and Our Lady's Hospital, Navan? Will he restore all acute medical and emergency services to Monaghan General Hospital, the unanimous call in March of all elected members of Monaghan County Council, including the Minister's party colleagues? Will he undertake in the first opportunity open to him to answer questions as Minister for Health and Children to give a clear commitment to the restoration of these services? Accepting that it will be programmed, will he indicate his willingness to prioritise the restoration of an emergency department and the establishment of a medical assessment unit at Monaghan General Hospital?

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