Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have heard rumours and comment about Portlaoise and a number of other hospitals. The Minister for Health informs me that there are no plans to downgrade Portlaoise hospital from module 3 to module 2. I do not know what plan Deputy Martin is quoting from. This is an important, busy hospital in the midlands and the figures speak for themselves. The Committee on Health and Children will obviously consider all the reports concerning hospitals but, as I stand here this morning, there are no plans to downgrade Portlaoise hospital from module 3 to module 2.

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