Marie Moloney (Labour)

I thank the Chair and Senator Norris. Senator Norris articulated the situation of the hospital in Valentia Island and I will not repeat that. Tonight, there is a public meeting on this issue in Valentia, but unfortunately we will not make it because we are here. I lend my support to this community supported hospital, which is one of the few that exist.

Valentia is a most beautiful little island off the Kerry coast that is connected by a bridge to the mainland. The hospital is of vital importance to the small island community and they are adamant that it be kept open. As Senator Norris said, there are 25 jobs resting on this and as it is so hard to create new jobs, it is vital to maintain existing jobs. Every day we are striving to create new jobs and here we have an opportunity to retain those jobs. I ask the Minister to give this favourable consideration.