Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I seek a debate on the reconfiguration of HSE services. This morning's Irish Examiner reported that Cork University Hospital would be the sole acute care centre for the region. I am concerned by the consistent and persistent downgrading of medical services in Cork city. Is there political interference in the HSE? Are members of the Government interfering in the running of the HSE? A report that was leaked to the Irish Examiner refers to the HSE plans to downgrade the Mercy hospital in Cork, the Victoria South Infirmary and Bantry and Mallow general hospitals and to have one acute hospital in Cork. Why is that the case? Why does the Minister not publish the report? Is she afraid of the embarrassment in the local elections? Why do the people of Cork not have a say on the planning of the services?

We have all seen the report on co-location. Does the Government intend to continue with the co-location policy on health services? The report should be published because the people of Cork deserve an answer as to why there is a downgrading of services in the main hospitals in the city and why we will only have only one acute hospital in the city. It is about time the Government, particularly the Minister responsible, stopped hiding behind the HSE and officials. The Minister should answer questions in this House on the matter. We deserve acute centres of excellence in Cork city north and south. It is not good enough that services are being downgraded.