Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Patient care is paramount. I attended the meeting last Friday week with members of the Health Information and Quality Authority, the Health Service Executive and other Members from across the political spectrum. HIQA opened my eyes to exactly the standards we need to comply with patient safety. I wish everything could remain the same but it cannot.

I looked at what happened over the years and in the last week. I took a position that I would be measured and try to take on board the views of the HSE and the people who wanted the hospital to be maintained and that is what I have done. I want to say one thing to Dr. Ming. His behaviour during the past week has not helped this situation. He has acted like a political thug. He has a responsibility to tell the people the truth.

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