Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Glynn, Buttimer and McFadden brought a very important point to my attention, the rumour that the dermatology unit in Mullingar might be closed. Almost 500 patients have been waiting for years for dermatology treatment in the Westmeath-Longford area and we will not take this lying down. There will be an urgent debate on this tomorrow afternoon on the Adjournment, with the permission of the Cathaoirleach. I urge the chairperson and members of the health committee as a matter of urgency to bring the person responsible before the committee next week to answer for this because it is not acceptable, particularly to the people of Longford who have no hospital and agreed to come to Mullingar for treatment. Everything is going to larger towns and influential areas, but Mullingar does not have a third level institute or other services even though it has a huge population. It certainly needs support.

The Minister stated that she would reward the hospitals that are leading by example. Yesterday I congratulated the management and staff at the hospital in Mullingar on their achievements as outlined in the latest report on hospital standards. It is a credit to Trevor O'Callaghan, the staff, consultants and everyone who are making Mullingar the shining example to Ireland. This is the third report in which Mullingar has been at the top in terms of quality. Surely the Minister cannot allow an individual in the HSE to change this. Is this the gratitude the HSE will show to the hospital that is leading by example? We will watch and see. The Minister gave her word in this House that she would reward those who are making the best efforts and leading by example. I have known her for over 30 years and I am watching this space on how she will deal with this. I know she will deal with it.