James Bannon (Fine Gael)

The Minister of State has given no timescale. I have asked for a timescale so that this project may be delivered to the people of Longford-Westmeath before the next general election. I wish the Tánaiste would come back and be honest with the people and tell them the truth on this particular issue. We want the truth now. It is a scandal that the shell has been in existence for more than nine years without being fitted out. There is also the matter of the reduction in services at the hospital, for which the people of Longford-Westmeath will not stand any longer. I want to convey that message to the Tánaiste. As I said before, I will bring the people onto the streets on this issue because it concerns every single family, parish and townland in Longford and Westmeath. I assure the House we will take action on this if the Minister does not.