Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What shocked me and, I am sure, my colleagues is that this was presented to us last Friday almost as a fait accompli. There was very little consultation with users, public representatives or others. Even members of the health forum, on which five Donegal members sit, were not aware of the changes being proposed. Does the Minister agree that the delivery of a health service affects and concerns everyone and that there should be far more consultation? I would like to get the Minister's view of the fact that there will be a serious reduction in the level and quality of service if this goes ahead. Deputy Doherty has already said that NowDoc has saved lives. Deputy Doherty and I know that, unfortunately, people from our own area have passed away on the way to Letterkenny. All of these things must be taken into consideration. While the Minister says discussions and negotiations are continuing, I hope the views of the Members here, the people we met last Monday and of people in general and, in particular, of the GPs will not be overlooked when the final decision is arrived at.

See this speech in context