Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response but I do not think it will go down that well with the population in Castlebar. It seems the HSE will provide a bed anywhere except in Castlebar, which is the county town and which has a huge hinterland and a big population. All the routes lead in to Castlebar. It is much easier for people to visit a relative or a loved one in Castlebar. To be quite honest, I am very disappointed with the response. I had hoped the Minister of State would have had some good news but there is no good news here. An extra respite bed may be provided in Westport, which is nearly ten miles away and not much further than Swinford. I and the people would not mind other than there is space at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar. There were two respite beds there before Covid. I cannot see why the HSE would not make a second bed available there. This will be greeted with great disappointment in the locality.