Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Earlier this year, the deputy leader of Fine Gael wrote a series of public letters, giving direct guarantees concerning services in hospitals throughout the country. I have one such letter from February, which is an open letter from Deputy James Reilly to the people of Roscommon. He stated that "Fine Gael undertakes to retain the emergency surgical, medical and other health services at Roscommon Hospital." On 22 March, Deputy Naughten - Fine Gael's new chairman of the Oireachtas health committee - announced that the party had firmly "put a halt to any plans by the HSE to withdraw services from smaller hospitals", and that would not only protect, but would enhance and develop these services.

In yesterday's visit to Roscommon to open Deputy Naughten's local office, the Taoiseach told concerned families and local media that while there may be changes, the future of the hospital was secure. However, it has been revealed today that arrangements are being made to end all emergency admissions and convert Roscommon County Hospital into a basic day-case facility. This process is due to start in a few weeks.

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