Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Fleming for his good wishes. I emphasise that no decision has been made on Portlaoise or on the services mentioned by the Deputy. Officials in the Department of Health have been liaising with the HSE on the significant body of work that needs to be done in relation to the draft report that has been drawn up by the HSE. This work will answer some of the significant questions that have been asked here by Deputy Fleming. I want to make it crystal clear that nothing will be done to compromise patient safety and everything will be done to address patient concern. I cannot be clearer than that. Any decisions taken will have to be based on clinical evidence. Decisions about the provision of health services should be made by clinicians and not by Ministers for Health. There is a body of work to be done in that regard. I have read the media commentary. I know there has been some commentary in local newspapers and in national media outlets. I say respectfully to everybody that there is a body of work ongoing here. No decision has been made. Any decision that is made will be based on an assessment of the issues that have been outlined by Deputy Fleming and the other Deputies from the Laois constituency. I refer to issues like service provision and the capability of other hospitals. Consideration will be given to what should be provided in Portlaoise and what could be provided elsewhere. As I have said, there is quite a way to go in this regard. I will certainly keep the Deputy informed.

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