Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)

The Minister can understand where the confusion is coming from but I welcome the reply. In his statement he went into some detail. Can the Minister confirm there will be a new maternity unit in the hospital? What is the position with capital funding? I have tried to track the €8 million for the last three years, all the way from the council chamber in Portlaoise to the floor of this Chamber and I have not been able to get any answer.

I take the Minister's remarks in good faith. The budget for the hospital is €42 million for the year. The Minister as a medic knows that €42 million will not fund the operational costs of a busy regional hospital. While we might have the status, will we have the funding? I know these are difficult times financially but if we intend to retain those services, the capital costs are required for a new maternity unit and there is annual funding for the running of the hospital, which amounted to €51.5 million just a few years ago. There are decisions to be made on this so I would like to hear the Minister's opinion.

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