Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a stretch too far to suggest that the Government is acting as a bystander in this matter. That is especially the case when one acknowledges the improvements that have been prioritised in the hospital. For example, additional consultant posts have been created in anaesthetics, surgery, emergency medicine, paediatrics and obstetrics in addition to physician and midwifery posts. An additional 76 posts have been created since 2014, and a further 38 were converted from agency posts. One must accept that is very positive. Nobody could argue that it is a negative action to have taken.

I understand Deputy Stanley's anxiety about having an input into the draft plan. The plan has been discussed with the Department and it is subject to further work and consideration by the Health Service Executive. When that process is finished, the parties concerned will consult with the GPs and consultants.

See this speech in context