Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While it is acknowledged in the reply that there are significant concerns, we now have a draft plan but GPs locally say there has not been meaningful consultation with them. There has not been any consultation with local Deputies. When will we see the draft plan? With all due respect to the Minister of State, we are going around in circles. Today's response is the same as we received months ago. We have not moved one jot further forward. The plan was to be published in September 2015 but we have not seen it to date. A delay of one month or even three months is reasonable but the plan is 15 months late at this stage. Meanwhile, we hear the argument that we do not have the clinical staff required at the hospital. As I set out in my introductory comments, one needs to have the clinical staff in place, but there must be some certainty for the future of the hospital.

Senior HSE managers and bureaucrats will come and go but we must be able to see a clear way forward. Surely the people of Laois and the surrounding counties are entitled to that at this stage? HSE management might make decisions but the Government is not a bystander. The Minister of State in the Department of Health, Deputy Corcoran Kennedy, is not a bystander. We need certainty on the matter. Is it Government policy not to have busy regional hospitals strategically located? One could not but argue that Portlaoise hospital is strategically located. Is it Government policy to act on a wing and a prayer and not to secure the future of such hospitals? The Minister needs to make a policy decision to resource and staff the hospital.

Despite the fact that Portlaoise hospital is busier than either of the hospitals in Mullingar or Tullamore, its funding is €30 million less than that which is provided for Tullamore hospital. I do not argue to reduce the funding for Tullamore hospital but I just highlight the fact. It is miraculous what the staff in Portlaoise hospital have done with little resources. They have performed great tasks. It is now up to the Government to clearly set out a plan to secure the future of Portlaoise hospital.

See this speech in context