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

As a former Minister for Health, I have had a long-standing commitment to Bantry hospital and I put significant resources in at that time. We do not put into the programme for Government approval for every individual post at a particular hospital, such as anaesthesia, cardiac surgery or whatever. We are, however, mindful of the issue raised by the Deputy. Deputies O'Sullivan and Cairns have also raised this with me in trying to make sure there is anaesthesia cover for Bantry hospital because that is essential for other activities to happen and for cover to happen within the hospital. Regarding the endoscopy unit, I will follow that up with the Deputy. Again, I do not get involved with the nuts and bolts of delivering particular facilities but I will revert to him with regard to that.

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