Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Undoubtedly, several patients would wish to remain at home but the Minister cannot make a blanket statement suggesting that one would not make that assessment when in acute hospital settings.

I do not have to go back over the record to cite what the Minister said week on week, month on month and year on year since taking up the role of spokesperson on health. Is he now of a mind not to re-open any of the 1,600 closed public hospital beds? Is his answer now that he has abandoned that position that he championed repeatedly in the House? If the Minister is intent on revisiting some of the 1,600 bed closures, does he not agree that a programme of re-opening to whatever degree is what would be required and that should now be planned for? Will the Minister be clear and specific to the House on his intention and that he has not abandoned the proposition which he knows is an integral part of addressing the crisis within the health system?

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