Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. In essence, I am asking that the Minister for Health make a statement on the plans by the Dublin Midlands hospital group to downgrade the services at Portlaoise hospital and to publish the five-year plan for the hospital. There is great uncertainty regarding this plan. From today's edition of theLeinster Express, we understand that public meetings are to be held in respect of this issue. These are being organised by the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee, which has become an enormous force in the midlands. No politician, either locally or nationally, would want to underestimate or undermine a group that wants to articulate the need to retain a hospital of this significance and its importance to the local community. The views of that community need to be taken on board.

I am open to hearing what the Minister of State has to say on this matter. The action committee states that the new model of clinical service delivery for the Dublin Midlands hospital group proposes the removal of the emergency services, maternity services, paediatric services and other services from Portlaoise, which would lead to the hospital being downgraded to category 2. Clearly, the members of the committee have been in contact with the Minister and all their local councillors, Deputies and Senators.I have received correspondence from people in Portarlington, Mountmellick, Abbeyleix, Mountrath, Graiguecullen and Killeshin on this issue. It is also interesting that the Laois GPs have come together as a formidable group and called for a resolution of this matter.

The Minister of State knows the background to this issue. It is important to note that, over the next few nights, there will be major public gatherings in each of these areas, starting at Mountmellick, Portarlington and Mountrath. It is important the Department comes to the fore in engaging and communicating, as should the authorities in Portlaoise hospital. The people are clearly stating they have not been given a satisfactory reason. It is important communication is ongoing. There is significance in terms of Dublin hospitals and Tullamore, which is a magnificent hospital. Will the Minister of State clarify the Government's intentions for Portlaoise hospital?