Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil leis an Aire as teacht isteach chun an cheist seo a fhreagairt.

On "The Frontline" on 20 June 2011, the Minister stated we may end up with some accident and emergency departments that cannot be safely manned. He continued the difficulty would not be with any of the major ones but small, rural hospitals. While I welcome the Minister's announcement this afternoon that 221 of the 475 posts have been filled, he must fill the remaining posts by 11 July which is the week after next. Will he inform us as to where the fault lines will present in hospital services? As of 11 July, what hospitals will not have the required number of non-consultant hospital doctor, NCHDs, to guarantee safe delivery of services? Will some accident and emergency departments have a diminished presence such as closing at night and weekends?

What will happen to services at Roscommon? I note some of the Minister's party colleagues who have a keen interest in that hospital are present behind him in the Chamber. What will happen to accident and emergency services at Navan, Portlaoise, Mallow, Bantry and Loughlinstown? Will the departments in Letterkenny and the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick be closed at night? Will the Minister outline the measures he will take to ensure the required number of doctors will be recruited to avoid such a scenario? How does he propose to ensure the problem will not re-occur, as has happened historically, in six months time?

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