David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House, as well as all those in the Visitors Gallery who have come to listen to this debate.

I do not envy the Minister’s job. It is always a difficult job when one has to balance competing demands.

I have listened very carefully to this debate. I have listened to people from both the Government and Opposition over the past hour and a half. I remember how about four years ago in Waterford, a geriatric care unit, which was coincidentally called St. Brigid's, in St. Patrick's Hospital closed. At the time it was closed, I remember that promises were made by the then Government that replacement beds would be put in place. I remember saying that once the unit was gone, it would be gone forever and that without a guarantee of replacement beds, I was not going to buy a pig in a poke. What happened? The ward was closed. Guess what? There were no replacement beds and we are still waiting for a new community nursing unit in Waterford.

I can certainly understand the fears of the people of Ballinasloe. St. Brigid's Hospital will be closed but the Minister of State tells us we will see replacement units built and additional services.