Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. Ennis hospital is a vital cog in the wheel here, and I believe more could be done in Ennis to try to reduce the burden on UHL. I welcome the fact that Clare County Council recently granted planning permission to the hospital group to develop a new outpatient department just off the Kilrush Road in Ennis. We need to see further investment in Ennis hospital, particularly in surgical theatres, and an expansion in the opening hours of the medical assessment unit and the minor injuries clinics.

I know the Minister has a view that smaller hospitals can play a bigger role. Does the Minister of State support that position? Will he convey the opinion being expressed here this evening that the smaller, model 2, hospitals in the region need to be better resourced in order that they can play a bigger role?

See this speech in context