James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I reiterate that my Department trawled through its files today to see whether we were sent that statement, but we were not sent it or informed that its recommendations cannot be accepted or that it did not meet its terms of reference. I have not received that. The key point is we have not received the minority report we are supposed to have received.

I said last week, and I reiterate today, that the acute medicine programme would review the position through the clinical programmes, under the auspices of Dr. Barry White. I have no problem in ensuring that is done. For the Deputy to ask me to answer the question as to what his likely opinion will be is unfair. That would be to prejudge and pre-empt his considerations and I do not intend to do that. I will give him and the acute medicine programme a free hand to review the position and see whether they come to the same or a different conclusion. That is the only fair thing to do in this situation.

I emphasise again that we want to extend as many more services as we can to Monaghan General Hospital and to ensure that it becomes busier and that jobs there are secure. I cannot guarantee each individual job or where the jobs will be, but I want to see a greater footfall in that hospital. A 10% increase in activity is planned for this year.

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