Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The reality is that in recent weeks in County Louth, on the streets of Drogheda and Ardee, thousands of people have marched. They have listened to Oireachtas Members and the various support and save committees, in both instances. They say "hands off" the Cottage Hospital in Drogheda which is an iconic institution in the town. Similarly with St. Joseph's in Ardee which at one stage had a much wider health care spectrum than it does nowadays. However, it is a real institution in the town of Ardee and there is considerable attachment to it. There is shock that consideration is being given to closing these hospitals. At any of these meetings and protestations patients on wheelchairs are coming out and stating they want this accommodation to be retained in the nursing home service in County Louth.

I ask the Minister of State to go back to the Department and report that the people and community of County Louth wish both nursing homes to be retained in the service.

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