Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I am cognisant that there was a draft plan in 2016. Consultation clearly took place. The draft plan was amended and the HSE came back in 2017 with a further version. That is an indication of ongoing consultation and engagement, which I welcome. It is important to have this plan published soon in line with what the Minister of State has delivered today. It is also important that people know what is happening. Tomorrow night and the night after, hundreds of people will attend public meetings in Portarlington, Mountmellick, Abbeyleix, Mountrath, Graiguecullen and Killeshin. It would be helpful for all involved to have more information and a greater understanding of the plan. There is steam behind this campaign. People will not let up. They are committed to saving their hospital. It is important that details of the plan and the new model be published as soon as possible. I thank the Minister of State for attending.