Alan Kelly (Labour)

——on acute care and the recommendations that have not been published by the HSE with regard to various hospitals throughout the country. I do so in the knowledge that the final report on acute services in the mid-west was completed on 20 December 2007. Why are we attending meetings, engaging in debates and meeting occasionally with the Health Service Executive only to be told reconfiguration plans are being put in place and changes in hospital services implemented? When I ask about the basis for doing this, I am told the report has not been published. In that case, the report should be published. It is a slight on democracy if it is not going to be. Recommendations are being put in place and reconfiguration of hospitals is taking place. It is happening in Mallow, Nenagh, Tralee and elsewhere throughout the State. The reports are not being published for no other reason than because they are politically sensitive It is as simple as that. The Minister either should ensure the reports are published or pack her bags and resign. It is as simple as that. The HSE must stand over the actions it is taking in regional hospitals throughout the State based on reports that have been concluded and which are being implemented by HSE staff.