Francis O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise the important issue of the situation in which Monaghan General Hospital finds itself at present. It has been under threat for the past number of years. For the past 50 years, Monaghan General Hospital has been a fantastic hospital. The surgeons, consultants, nurses and medical staff are excellent. It is unforgivable that the hospital is under threat at present. This day last week 3,000 to 4,000 people came to Hillgrove Hotel to protest in support of their hospital. God rest Pat Joe Walsh, a man who should never have died. The report was very bad for Monaghan General Hospital. It proposes taking more services away from the hospital. Thankfully, as I hope the Minister of State can confirm tonight, that report will be not implemented. I had assurances in the past ten days that the services in Monaghan General Hospital would be retained and maintained so we would have full medical cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

At present surgical services are only offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which is insufficient. We hope that the surgical services would be there to support the medical services already in place and that should also be 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hospital has a state-of-the-art theatre that is completely underutilised. Elective surgery could take place there, which would take the pressure off the hospitals in Cavan, Drogheda and Dundalk. It is important that Monaghan General Hospital should serve the people of Monaghan. The people of Monaghan want their hospital. They need it and they are demanding it. I am in full support of the people of Monaghan.

I congratulate the people who turned out last Wednesday at the Hillgrove Hotel in huge numbers. I also congratulate the 7,000 to 8,000 people who turned out at the opening of the Monaghan bypass on Monday. That speaks louder than words. That is why the people of Monaghan are out on the streets. Those people were there to support their hospital, despite the little bit of disturbance, which does not represent the 7,000 to 8,000 people present. There was a great crowd there. They were very dignified. Only a small number were involved in the rumblings at the front, the various things that were said and not obeying the Garda. That small number of people did not do any good for the hospital or for the opening of the much-needed bypass, which the people of Monaghan have awaited for so long in order to eliminate the queues of traffic coming into Monaghan town.

We cannot and will not allow Monaghan General Hospital to be downgraded any further. I appeared on radio and television last week. I have had discussions with the Taoiseach's office and the Minister for Health and Children. We are now seeking a meeting with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Health and Children and the Minister of State, who is present this evening. As the Minister of State knows, for more than a year every Minister who has come to County Monaghan has met the Fianna Fáil organisation, members of the county council and members of the alliance, namely, Peadar McMahon and Illona Duffy. I offer my support to those two people who have worked so hard and are so determined. They have the support of the people and the support of all the organisations in the county. I appeal to the Minister for Health and Children and the Taoiseach to ensure that Monaghan General Hospital is allowed to service the people as is and that its existing services can be improved.