Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)

I wish to seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to discuss an issue of national importance. This relates to the announcement yesterday by the Health Service Executive to end the 24-hour emergency accident and emergency service in St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, County Dublin, together with proposals by the HSE to make changes in the services provided in eight other hospitals around the country. In the case of Loughlinstown hospital, people living in my constituency of County Wicklow will be forced to go all the way to St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin to receive emergency treatment and this could potentially be a matter of life and death. The business of the Dáil should be adjourned to discuss this vital issue.

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