Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I deliberately worded my Adjourment Matter in such a way as to ask the Government to outline the long-term position of the two hospitals to which I referred and clarify if they would be closed in the future. The Minister of State did not say whether the hospitals would be closed. Her answer leads me to believe the information I have received, namely, that the HSE is planning to close the two facilities, could be accurate. I am aware of the average weekly cost in both facilities. At just over €900, the average cost at the Rock Hospital is one of the lowest in County Donegal. The figure for Lifford Community Hospital is just over €1,300. I am fully aware that a private facility, as the Minister of State mentioned, can provide a service at a cheaper rate. In the case of Lifford Community Hospital, ancillary services are provided; it is not just a nursing home. Can the Minister of State reassure the people of County Donegal, in particular the communities of Lifford and Ballyshannon, that the information I have received that the Rock Hospital and Lifford Community Hospital are about to close under new HSE plans is not correct? She has confirmed that a rigorous assessment is being undertaken. I have been told the two hospitals are on the chopping block. I, therefore, ask the Minister of State to allay my fears and those of the community.