Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for allowing me to raise this matter on the Adjournment and the Minister of State, Deputy Callely, for coming into the House to reply. Unlike Senator Ulick Burke, I am not in a position to raise the matter at the health board. I can confirm that I signed the contract to purchase Portiuncula Hospital on behalf of the Western Health Board and the Government in the autumn of 2001. We did not spend £11 million to, in any way, downgrade it. Therefore, I do not understand the Senator's concerns.