Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that the Minister has acknowledged the excellent work of the staff at the Sacred Heart Hospital which is a very popular location for patients. I am concerned, however, that he has not confirmed that there is a capital allocation of over €400 million to be spread over the next five years. Obviously, it has not been signed off on yet. I note that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform provided €23 million for the accident and emergency department at Wexford General Hospital but closed the accident and emergency department in Roscommon. I understand the Taoiseach provided €10 million for a similar 50-bed unit in Castlebar. There should be fair play. I hope that, being very fair, the Minister will come to Roscommon to see the facility with Senator John Kelly, Deputy Frank Feighan and other colleagues and what is happening on the ground. The people feel badly let down. We provided two seats for Fine Gael in the last general election. It will be lucky to win one the next time, but we will see what happens.