Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response, which comprehensively states that we are going to have a second palliative bed. It is something that we have been looking for for many years. I thank the Minister of State for her proposal to set up a meeting. I will take her up on the offer to attend the meeting with my colleague, Councillor Peggy Nolan, who the Minister of State knows well, who has fought the fight for many years to ensure that we maintain and improve the services that we have in Longford, and in St. Joseph's Care Centre in particular, where there is an excellent staff. I know, from personal experience, of the work they do there.

The Minister of State mentioned evidence-based palliative care. I am delighted that the evidence that we submitted last year proved that the need was there, when we were told that it was not. The need is there. I ask that the situation is monitored continuously and that where there is additional need, it be met through the provision of additional beds. That must be guaranteed. I thank the Minister of State for her commitment and the offer to set up a meeting with the Minister for Health. I will take her up on that offer.