Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I am aware of the issues the Deputy has referred to, which affect not only the people of Louth, but also those of the wider north east, as the Deputy has said. The location of surgical hubs depends on the evaluation and recommendation of the HSE. The Minister and the Department of Health then do their best to act on such recommendations. I am not aware whether such a recommendation has been made for the Deputy's hospital but I will certainly pass this on to the Minister for Health because I know the availability of surgical hubs makes a really big difference to waiting lists and, more importantly, to the health of those who are on them. I thank the Deputy for raising this. I will make sure the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, is aware of the matter.

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