Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his update regarding the great work that is happening in Bantry General Hospital. I want to acknowledge that we will have this unit up and running by the fourth quarter of 2024, which dispels the myth that it will not be delivered. It will be a really important development not alone for west Cork but also for south Kerry and mid-Cork. It is a really significant development and another plank in making sure Bantry General Hospital is going to become the best regional hospital in the country.

The political footballing has to stop here. It is absolutely chaotic. The idea that Bantry hospital is going to close is a myth that is out there. Those who are trying to talk it down are doing no good to Bantry. If anything, they are trying to close it by stealth by making sure people do not come there. When I think of the staff working there now, I am reminded that there are 20 house doctors, which is an amazing figure. We have never seen this before. It needs to be acknowledged. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the Chamber to clarify this issue and to dispel the myth that has been put out there that Bantry General Hospital is being downgraded.