Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her forthright response, which is appreciated. However, I cannot understand how she can say there is no change in policy and then read that script. As far as I can see, the writing is on the wall. I have read enough from the HSE and enough health service policy down the years to know that. I have seen this before in the cases of Roscommon, Monaghan, Dundalk and Ennis hospitals. This is what it looks like. This is the language that is used to refer to change that is coming, including reference to a 24-7 acute medical assessment unit.

I do not believe, based on the written record here from the Department, that the concerns of the community will be allayed.

In fact, I believe that what was spelled out in the reply reflects the concerns that have been raised about the services that will be provided. I am very concerned and I think the community will be similarly concerned.

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