Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. However, I question the reference to the consultation process as having been "rigorous". As I understand it, Professor Higgins met a delegation on two occasions, but I am not sure that his board has done so. The consultants from the south east have drawn together a concise and well researched evidence-based report on what a configuration in the south east would look like to best serve the needs of all its residents. I would like to know whether Professor Higgins has read this report and, if not, why. I ask the Minister of State to follow-up on this on my behalf. We must be listened to. This is democracy in action. We are representing the 15,000 people who took to the streets at the weekend and the Minister must engage on the process involved. We understand there is a need for reform. The health system is one we inherited and that has been neglected and mismanaged for many years and we want to see the reforms deliver. With this in mind, Waterford Regional Hospital has been one of the most efficient and leanest hospitals in the country, as verified by outside bodies. This also needs to be included in the mix when examining this issue.

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