Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the ongoing debate about the future of the emergency department and intensive care unit in Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, which the Leader knows well. The debate about this hospital has been going on for decades. I grew up beside that hospital and have been listening to the debate for 40 years. Further claims last week gave rise to more concerns and naturally caused concern for many, from the staff to local people to campaigners. To try to get the facts on this, I spoke directly with the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and he assured me that there is no threat to the emergency department or plans to axe it, as has been claimed, and that there are no documents on his desk to that effect, seeking for him to do that. It is important to put that on the record so that people have those facts and statements from the Minister.

As the health debate moves back to a normal debate, away from Covid and back to the running of the health system, it is necessary for us to have a debate with the Minister on the long-term investment in our hospitals, especially in regional areas. Growing towns such as Navan need to see investment because of the growth in population. We can put to bed once and for all the rumours that surround the fantastic service provided by our health teams in regional towns, especially in Our Lady's Hospital in Navan.