James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I am pleased to welcome the Tánaiste to the House to take this important matter on health facilities in the midlands, particularly the status of stage 2B of Mullingar Hospital.

A nationwide campaign against the Hanly report is now being planned by hospital action groups to oppose plans to centralise acute hospital services. The level of opposition to the report has been outlined by the chairwoman of the Irish Medical Organisation consultant committee and other prominent specialists. It has sparked opposition not just from the Opposition, but there has been strong opposition to the report from within the Government parties. It is heartening to know that even there the total impracticality of much of the report is recognised.