Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

I was only quoting what that organisation stated.

I call for a direct intervention with the management at Letterkenny and I know the Minister of State will use his good offices to ensure that such an intervention is made. I do not intend to turn this issue into a political football because there is too much at stake in Letterkenny and the surrounding area.

Perhaps it would be appropriate, before Mr. Hanly, as elsewhere, puts in place a number of super-hospitals in the north west, to point out that we have a top class hospital in Letterkenny and we intend to ensure that it continues to be the main hospital serving the region. I place this pledge on record prior to Mr. Hanly making the long trek up to Donegal.