Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I accept the points made by the Deputies. This issue just came to my attention this afternoon. I have been in the Chamber since 2.30 p.m. today so I did not have a chance to research the matter. I am told there is no plan to move all of the services to Clondalkin and Dr. Steeven's Hospital, so that is not being proposed. I do not have any information with me regarding the possibility of using Units 4 and 5 in Cherry Orchard Hospital but I will pursue that on behalf of the local Deputies and see if there is any possibility of them being brought into use.

I do not know why 31 March is the deadline. The group that has been set up has until the end of April to report, so there should be no question of services being suspended in the interim. We must ensure services are protected and that the needs of clients are catered for properly. I will examine this matter and revert back to the Deputies concerned.

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