David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I take the opportunity to appeal to Senators from all parties throughout the south east to ensure we work together on this issue and that we do not allow this to go ahead. We must ensure we do not see another hospital downgraded, or people who live in Waterford having to travel to Cork while people who live in Wexford and Kilkenny have to travel to Dublin. We must ensure they do not have to take the long road for treatment when we have these essential and critical services in the region already. It is important for the Leader to make a statement in the House about what is happening and that the Minister for Health comes in to answer serious questions that we will put collectively about the future of the regional hospital in the south east.