Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising those issues. As regards local consultation, one must listen to the needs of people in the community. I totally accept that there is a problem in Cork with regard to planning services. I was there just after Christmas to visit a number of centres in Cork city. I did not see the one referred to by Senator Craughwell, but I visited many others and got a good feel for the place. We need to deal with the long-term planning of hospitals and other medical services in Cork city and county. The Senator mentioned the acute beds issue. As he knows, the Minister, Deputy Harris, has managed to pump an extra €500 million into health services. We are essentially trying to reinvest in our services but we also need to reform them. The Senator's final point was about access and, only yesterday, I met a group of disabled adults. They were one of the first groups I met at a conference where the majority of speakers had disabilities. The two key issues raised were transport for access to employment, and housing. I will bring to the Minister's attention all the issues and concerns raised by the Senator.