Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, is an integral part of the Ireland East hospital group, providing health services and care for the people of Westmeath, Longford and surrounding areas in the midlands. The hospital provides quality patient services through the skills and values of staff to the best of its available resources. This has been achieved first and foremost through the commitment, hard work and professionalism of the hospital's staff.

The Government is committed to developing services and infrastructure in the hospital. Deputy Troy might want me to say more, but I cannot give him a commitment that this project will be funded. We will have to wait for funding under the capital plan to be announced. At that stage, it will be obvious to everyone what plans will be going ahead. Regarding the issue of the national children's hospital, which is much needed, I guarantee the House that projects will not be cancelled. I have heard that from the mouths of the Taoiseach and the Minister. Projects may have to be put back, but they certainly will not be cancelled.

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