Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We still suffer the consequences of the decisions of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments to remove services from Monaghan hospital. I challenge anyone who doubts the consequences to have the misfortune of ending up in Drogheda or Cavan emergency rooms. Over the past five years, I, along with the local community, have been campaigning for the return of services to Monaghan hospital. We have had some success, particularly the increase in operating hours at the minor injuries unit. However, why are beds currently lying idle in Monaghan hospital? I am told there are currently seven closed in the Diamond ward. This is a ward with three rooms that are currently being used for storage space, I am told. The ward was opened to much fanfare. The then Minister announced that seven new beds were to open in Monaghan hospital when, in fact, there were only two additional beds; regardless, those beds are now unused, even as several families try desperately to secure a stepdown or rehabilitation bed in Monaghan hospital. Will the Taoiseach intervene? I have asked questions to the Minister for Health and he has fobbed them off to the HSE, which has not answered me. Will the Taoiseach intervene to ensure Monaghan hospital is used to its full capacity and that every single bed space is utilised?

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