Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I must differ somewhat with him on the word "reconfiguration". It does not always mean a cut. One of the better examples of reconfiguration was the reconfiguration of cancer services in Ireland. Everybody must accept that the reconfiguration and delivery of those services nationally was one of the more outstanding successes of politics and the HSE working together. While it was difficult and a lot of people had to make a lot of difficult choices, in the fullness of time, which is the best place to be to judge, we see that it has been a reconfiguration story of which we can all be proud. In respect of cancer services, it is something that has mattered a great deal to a lot of us on a personal level. As such, I take issue with the Deputy notwithstanding his entitlement to his own opinion. I do not agree that reconfiguration is always a bad word.

On the specific issue, I have given the Deputy the best answer the HSE and I can provide. The HSE has acknowledged that there is a need for additional nursing here and it is looking to see what level of resources are required. I will ensure the HSE speeds up its assessment of the increased need and try to get this up and running for the children in that school. It is the least they deserve. I thank the Deputy and the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

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