Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I sympathise with all of the families who have suffered in this. I reiterate Deputy Naughten's comments that Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is a good hospital. Let expectant parents not be afraid. However, we need a proper and transparent investigation which is not biased in any way and the end game of which is not to try to close the hospital. We have seen enough of this through the years. We want to learn from mistakes. I urge the Minister to let this be completely independent. Do not involve in any way the people who have brought out reports. Do not use the people who want to do hatchet jobs on hospitals, particularly those in the west. Let those involved be open and transparent.

It is a sad day when media outlets, such as thejournal.ie, are those who inform parents, and someone from the health services cannot pick up a phone, drive to a house or write a letter to inform them. Will the Minister ensure this is done right? We should learn from mistakes. Staffing is a major problem, as Deputy Naughten stated. My children were born in the hospital in Ballinasloe and I cannot but give it the utmost praise. No Deputy wants what usually comes out of these investigations, which is a finding that a hospital may not be safe after which an attempt is made to close it. Portiuncula Hospital is needed for Roscommon and east Galway. It has had a credible reputation throughout the years so let us get it right.

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