Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I join Senator Ó Domhnaill in requesting that the Minister for Health come to the House to discuss the reported closures of community hospitals throughout the country. In particular, I would like to address the position of the Lisdarn unit for the elderly in Cavan town. This is a 44-bed unit, of which six are for respite care. Excellent care is provided to the vulnerable, older people of Cavan town and surrounding areas. Its staff are excellent and news reports earlier indicate this is one of the proposed units for closure. If that is the case, it is a disgrace and we will fight it in this House at every opportunity afforded to us. The Minister and representatives of the Government say that this is only speculation and no decision has been made. I refer them to similar comments they made regarding the VEC staff in Cavan. Their office was closed and they were transferred to Monaghan. I also refer them to the 140 troops based in Dun Uí Néill barracks in the town who were also told the proposed closure was only speculation and no decision had been made. It will close in March and I have no doubt it is the intention of the Minister for Health to close this unit. It is a disgrace and it will be fought in the House and by my colleague, Deputy Brendan Smith, in the other House.