Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is right that it was a national disaster. There was some criticism among the people of Donegal that it did not get appropriate coverage nationally but the proactivity of the Minister and his officials ensured that services were resumed within a fortnight. It was not a greenfield site but a building site, and we still had services. The work of all involved at hospital employee level and the voluntary effort at community level were phenomenal. That must be acknowledged. However, while a great deal of work is ongoing at present, we should look at the forward planning for the long term. If there is to be new build, we should look at services that can be done together in synch and consider this smartly. The managers are looking at potential solutions, but in the current environment of such enthusiasm and professionalism in trying to get work done, it is also important that we still have oversight, checks and balances, accountability and transparency regarding the great deal of money that is going into the hospital, which is very much welcomed. I acknowledge the Minister's personal action in getting into his car on the weekend it happened and travelling to Letterkenny. That was very much appreciated by the people there and in Donegal generally.

See this speech in context