Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the first matter the Deputy mentioned, the position is very clear. The letter was quite clear in respect of an independent analysis of the requirement and the needs of the people of the south east in so far as a second cath lab in Waterford was concerned. It was agreed that a person of stature and independence would examine that. A consultant, Dr. Herity, did an outstanding job based on the clarity of his finding. Within that finding, his view was that there should be extra hours approved for use of the cath lab, the premises should be improved, extra staff should be appointed and further money should be spent on it.

The Minister is quite happy to do that.

In respect of the reference to shifting some facilities out of Waterford, the Minister was not agreeable to that. The Government has responded very clearly to the findings of the independent consultant and will do what he has outlined. If he had outlined something else, the Government would have complied with that. There was a clinical analysis by a professional, independent person, and I respect that completely.

In so far as the second matter is concerned, I am not sure whether the Minister for Health met the Deputy who Deputy Martin mentioned, namely, Deputy Lowry, and a number of doctors about Clonmel hospital. I think he did that out of normal courtesy for any Deputy and provided an opportunity to meet with medical personnel.

These days, if one passes somebody in a corridor, one has had a meeting. Even a courteous meeting can become an understanding or an intention. Let me confirm for Deputy Martin that he heard one side of the situation. Deputy Lowry has been an Independent Deputy in the House for a number of years. I appreciate that he has supported the Government in terms of his record. There are no understandings with any Deputy on the part of Fine Gael or the Government. I do not have any information to the contrary. Any Deputy from the Fianna Fáil Party or any other party can meet with the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, for instance-----

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