Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Unfortunately, I cannot say "Go raibh maith agat" to the Minister because, not for the first time when addressing the people of County Monaghan, he has referred to yet another framework document. That phrase will have a serious echo for those familiar with the history of Monaghan General Hospital. The Minister referred to the minor injuries unit offering services between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., but he did not indicate that such services are only available Monday to Friday, nor did he state the unit remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays. This represents a significant contraction from the 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. service that was previously available seven days a week. Savings and cuts are the only matters about which the Minister speaks.

Only a couple of weeks ago the Minister tabled to a Private Members' an amendment which followed on from amendments I had tabled seeking to secure the future of the minor injuries unit at Monaghan General Hospital, ensure the establishment of a medical assessment unit there and have the rapid response vehicle recently removed from the facility restored to it. Government Deputies supported that amendment which stated the House "supports the Government's policy of developing the role of smaller hospitals to their full potential rather than closing or downgrading them". At the same time, however, the services on offer in the minor injuries unit at Monaghan General Hospital on Saturdays and Sundays were being discontinued. In addition, they were being significantly reduced on every other day of the week.

What makes the Minister's approach different from that of his predecessor, Mary Harney, and the former Fianna Fáil-led Government which introduced a series of cuts? That is what we are facing. There is no difference between this and the previous Administration; all there has been is a change in personnel.

See this speech in context