Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also recognise there are medical suggestions here and people telling us differently. I listened to Gerry McEntee. Most of the Teachtaí Dála here last week listened to him. Most people believed him and were concerned. We will all differ on what the solutions are. I will differ with Gerry McEntee on some of that and row with him, but I do not doubt his medical opinion and his concerns for people going there. We have to work out the best way to address those concerns.

The hospital is not closing and will not close. It is a top asset. It is a national and local asset and we are proud of it. I would never let it close. There is a proposal on the table which would change the accident and emergency department if it is let happen. Three previous Ministers and the current Minister have said over the last ten years, my term in government, that it cannot happen until we work this out to see if it is the right thing to do and if the capacity is there. Previous Governments have said the capacity is not elsewhere so it cannot change.

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