Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate the absolute necessity of retaining these 14 acute beds that serve the catchment area of Waterford and Wexford. We must put in place the necessary supports for the patients and staff. As already stated, we cannot afford to lose even one of these beds, for which there is a waiting list. Unfortunately, we all know someone who has needed one of these beds at some time. What worries me most is that if this document had not been leaked at the weekend, four Deputies would not be here debating the issue and trying to get an answer in respect of it. The timeline from 3 February to 24 February is very short. I commend whoever got his or her hands on this document - I believe it was Deputy Howlin - because if we had not had sight of it, we would not be discussing this matter and the fact that eight beds at University Hospital Waterford will be closed on Friday next. People who most need those services will be left without them.

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