John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Deputy John Halligan asked him to state what had been said at a meeting at which we were all present earlier and, in fairness, he has done so. My question relates to the document prepared by the consultants in the south east. I have yet to see a justification given in any quarter for the breaking up of the regional structure. Ultimately, if the four hospitals are to be dismembered and included in four separate trusts, that is what will happen.

I would like an answer but the Minister of State who is here today is not in the Department of Health and may not be able to give me one. I would certainly like him to bring a message to the Minister that we wish to see some sort of analysis of why this change would even be considered. I acknowledge that in his response he has stated the crucial tertiary services that are currently available in the region will remain intact. That is certainly very important. The south east hospital network has been integrated to an enormous extent over the last 20 to 30 years and works well. In that context, I would need to see more justification for a change. I am not one who is against change because I believe the health service must be constantly examined, in terms of its structure. However, I need to be convinced.

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