Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased, if it is actioned, that there is a commitment to continue services in Clifden hospital, but all the rest of the Minister of State's prepared reply gives the impression that we are all going in the other direction. I do not know how many other Deputies are like me, but I frequently get calls from people who are being pressurised to take loved ones out of the hospital, with nowhere for them to go. They may not be fit to go home or may live on their own. I find it strange, therefore, that this step-down facility is not required. My understanding is the lack of physiotherapy means they are not being referred to Clifden hospital. We need recruitment, as we have reiterated time and again. Nobody is proposing unsafe working conditions.

I join with the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, in wishing the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, all the best in her recovery. The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, hit the bull's eye on the previous occasion when the three of us Deputies were debating ambulance services. She might do it again this time.

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