Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply and wish the report well. I want the Minister to ensure it is thorough and adequate. I refer to the Minister's speech to the all-Ireland midwifery conference of 17 October 2013. At an early date, if not today, the Minister should stitch into the record of the House the target for planning as evidenced by the speech, as it is important.

Will the Minister assure me and the House that there is a plan for the hospital in Portlaoise? Before last week's programme was aired, the HSE blamed the increasing population for pressures on the hospital, and that is evidence that there is an absence of a plan or strategy for the facility. I have raised the issue with the Minister before in the House and as a local Deputy I cannot stand over a position in which there is no plan or strategy for this hospital. I would like the Minister to address that matter. This is a regional hospital in the midlands in which 2,250 babies were born in a year. We want assurances and commitments from the Government that the HSE, and the Minister will ensure the delivery of high-quality care in the midlands area.

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