Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. I am acutely aware and appreciative of the support of the Minister, Deputy Harney, for the Crisis Pregnancy Agency. However, I am concerned by the following statement in the Minister of State's reply:

It is expected that a large majority of providers will be offered such a contract. The matter will become clearer once the Estimates for 2010 are determined and decisions made in regard to the allocations for health agencies.

I seek a guarantee that the service at Portiuncula Hospital will be maintained. Will the Minister of State seek a definitive response from the Minister in this regard? I also ask him to convey my sincere thanks to the Minister for this otherwise reassuring reply. I acknowledge the work that is being done in regard to concealed pregnancies, which is a very worthwhile exercise, and the extraordinary work done by CURA.