Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

I join with my colleague from County Kerry in seeking a discussion on Valentia hospital. Senator Norris is welcome to come back tomorrow evening to attend a meeting in Valentia about the future of the hospital. This boils down to the famous, all-powerful organisation HIQA that seems to write reports or, in the case of Roscommon, not write reports. This is then used by the HSE and the Government to justify the unjustifiable. Regarding Valentia hospital, HIQA has provided a timeline to meet standards that we do not need and that are too expensive. It is like telling everyone in the country they can only drive a Lexus or a Mercedes. The people of Valentia have a hospital that is fit for purpose and it does what it needs to do. HIQA and the HSE want to close it down and reduce the number of beds. Everyone must have a private room and every room must be en suite, even though most people are not capable of using the en suite facilities because of their age. However, HIQA insists on it, showing there is no relationship between reality and practicality and standards.

I have no doubt Senator Sheahan will be at the meeting tomorrow night. The hospital is necessary on the island as Cahirciveen hospital has a reduced number of beds available because of HIQA. Otherwise, people will be required to travel to Killarney, which is an hour and 20 minutes away depending on how fast or slow one drives. We should have a plethora of Ministers available to us next week when they have finished their duties in the Dáil and we look forward to seeing them all addressing these issues in the Chamber.