Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I raise the request by the HSE for €15 million in cuts at the University College Hospital in Galway. Yesterday some other Senators raised the review and downgrading of services in the south but there appears to be a continuing trend around the country. How can the people who are sick and vulnerable have confidence in centres of excellence which are consistently downgraded?

It was quite extraordinary to see the manager, Ms Brigid Howley, stating this morning that she would not be able to run the centre of excellence in Galway as she has already made €9 million in cuts and is now expected to make a further cut of €15 million. That will lead to the loss of 126 jobs. We depend on services like this in the midlands as we have lost services in Mullingar. How can people have faith and be reassured when they are sick if there is a consistent downgrading of services?

I ask the Cathaoirleach to extend a vote of congratulations to Westmeath County Council today as the official opening is taking place of a brand new flagship county building. I compliment the council led by Fine Gael and Labour, the county manager and the executive for their foresight and wish them well. I hope it will be a centre for great work in future.