Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)

I thank Deputy Seán Fleming for sharing time. The decision to close this facility, which was announced yesterday, is absolutely devastating, particularly for the people of south Laois. It is a top-class facility and there are no safety issues relating to it. We have been informed that the decision to close it relates to budgets. However, as of this morning, the local senior manager at the HSE was not in a position to indicate how much money will be saved through the closure of the hospital.

There are 45 staff at the hospital and they care for 32 people - 28 nursing patients and four respite patients. The Minister can lift the embargo because the number of staff is adequate. The issue of HIQA has been raised. Major refurbishments have taken place in that hospital in recent years. It is a top class facility and I do not believe that issue can be used. It is simply part of a privatisation agenda.

We have an ageing population and south Laois is not exempt, or is the county of Laois. Relatives of mine have been inpatients of that hospital. Friends, neighbours and family members have been in that excellent facility. I ask the Minister to reverse the decision. It is shameful that it was announced four hours after €711 million was handed over to unguaranteed bondholders in Anglo Irish Bank. I ask the Minister to revisit this decision. I believe the facility is viable and I ask him to reopen it, keep it open and ensure it remains in place in Abbeyleix.

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