Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming into the House and giving me this response. He has been frank and, unfortunately, the future of hospital is somewhat on a wing and a prayer, while accepting that HIQA has given it a three-year lease of life, so to speak. Due to the growing elderly population in the area and the ongoing deferment, due to lack of finance or otherwise, of the purported extension which has been planned for many years, I am deeply concerned that there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the future of this important hospital for Bandon town and its hinterland. I do not expect the Minister of State to say anything further but I want to put on the record that I am deeply concerned that this hospital may be forced to close and, if it does, it will be a huge loss to the community of Bandon and its hinterland.