Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The matters the Deputy has raised come under the Department of Health Vote rather than the Vote of the Department of the Taoiseach. However, I am well aware of Bantry General Hospital and, as Minister for Health, I was very supportive of it. It performs a critical role for a wide rural hinterland. In regard to the appointment of an anaesthetist, the issue is not funding, as the Deputy knows. The HSE is saying that it is facing a challenge in recruiting somebody to locate permanently to the hospital, but it is committed to getting a resolution to the issue. It is also looking at what additional services can be provided at Bantry General Hospital as part of the wider South/South West hospital group. I will be keeping a close eye on that and working with the HSE on it. Deputies Christopher O'Sullivan and Cairns, among others, have also been in touch with me to convey their concerns in this regard.

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