Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed that in the Minister's reply he did nothing to allay the real and current fears and this is regrettable. I do not know what has given rise to the reports, but the concern is none the less sincere across the board. I note from the information available to me that four of the five hospitals in the region are in support of maintaining the current configuration. From all that I am aware of with regard to the situation in Waterford Regional Hospital and the current grouping it is, as I already put on record, if not the best performing then certainly one of the best performing in the State. I appeal to the Minister because I do not want to feed ill-founded concerns and all that will spill from them.

The reason for my raising this matter is, as I indicated in my opening question, to scotch the fears on the basis of what the Minister knows. This is important. I appeal to the Minister to take on board what I have said and the validly held concerns. The attendance in the Chamber of Deputies and Senators from across the region indicates shared concern and anxiety over the future. I urge the Minister to avail of the opportunity that presents itself.

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