Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Senator said, the Minister is clear that, in the first instance, it is for the HSE to identify sites. I have been involved in the issue, on which I have met the HSE and local doctors. Contrary to the view the Senator has taken from the response, the crucial element is that the Minister and his Department have no objection to any proposal to undertake an options appraisal, which seems to be very reasonable to start the process, as well as a cost-benefit analysis. These are obvious and realistic first steps towards assessing the viability of the proposal. A cost-benefit analysis would almost certainly confirm the Senator's view of needs and requirements in the southern region. Not all specialised services are to be located in the Dublin area, as the Senator suggested. On the contrary, there is a strong commitment to the provision of services, particularly in the second most densely populated area of the State. The Minister, in making the point that, in the first instance, it is not a matter for the Department, leaves an obvious route for local engagement for the HSE and the group in the southern region to pursue with him his support for a cost-benefit analysis and an appraisal of the options for the location of a new hospital.