Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy again for her contributions on Monaghan hospital. It is right that we acknowledge the excellent care provided by the staff, as the Deputy said herself. I will go back to the Minister for Health and request that she pay a visit, as the Deputy asked. The Government is committed to ongoing development and investment in regional hospitals. Significant investment in capital developments at Cavan and Monaghan Hospital includes two- and three-storey extensions currently at design stage, which is a good news story. They will further improve the hospital environment at Cavan and Monaghan Hospital, particularly for cancer patients. In line with the programme for Government commitment to Sláintecare, a number of service developments are also under way, aimed at improving access. I mentioned the frailty intervention therapy team and early supported discharge team, supporting the flow of patients through the hospital. Figures from the HSE showed overall bed occupancy at Monaghan to be 85% or higher over the past year. For rehabilitation beds at Monaghan hospital, the average occupancy rate was 95% to January 2024. The HSE has advised that clear clinical pathways exist to support the current arrangements of CT and MRI scanners in the region. It has not submitted a business case for CT or MRI services at Monaghan hospital but I reiterate Government support for the hospital.

I assure the Deputy I will bring all of these concerns back to the Minister. I thank the Deputy again for highlighting them. It is important we make changes. We are committed to funding our hospitals and services.

See this speech in context