Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. He sought to reassure the House that there had been no reduction in funding. I assure him that despite the commitment in the programme for Government, Midoc services and facilities in Birr and Edenderry have been closed - period. I assure him also that it is not acceptable to cite a report that contends the service could be closed because it is limited and operates part-time. I do not accept that the review is to be trusted or was inclusive. It is compromised and has no credibility in my eyes and the eyes of other public representatives in the county in which I reside and have the privilege to represent. It failed to adequately consult representatives of the community, nursing homes, pharmacies and groups advocating for patients. How can members of the public be expected to buy into or take ownership of the decision when their wisdom and rights were excluded from the process?

Does the Government believe the review, which was instigated by vested interests, is inclusive of the public and the communities served by the facilities in question? If not, will the Minister agree to establish a new independent commission that will reflect the views, aspirations and rights of taxpayers and ensure the service, which was established in 2002 to serve 50,000 people and enhanced in 2008 continues and its abolition by the Government, notwithstanding the meaningless commitments it gave in the programme for Government, does not proceed?

See this speech in context