Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 119: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a report into Nenagh Hospital which shows that smaller hospitals treat patients more effectively and efficiently than larger hospitals; her views on the reported key element in tackling the accident and emergency crisis of direct referral by general practitioners to hospitals; the steps she intends to take to replicate this success nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15467/06]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 131: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received the report Small Hospital, Big Service published by the Nenagh Hospital Action Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15484/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 188: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has received the report Small Hospital, Big Service published by the Nenagh Hospital Action Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15713/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 131 and 188 together.

I recently received the report Small Hospital, Big Service, referred to by the Deputies, which was published by the Nenagh Hospital Action Group. The report will be examined by the Health Service Executive in the context of its role in the management and delivery of health and social services.

I understand that an independent external review of acute hospital services in the mid-west was approved by the Health Service Executive. The Health Service Executive informed me that all aspects of the report undertaken by the Nenagh Hospital Action Group, including direct referral by general practitioners, will be taken into account as a key component of the review process. The review is to be completed by the end of the year following which the findings will be published.

Concerns raised by individuals and groups, particularly regarding the smaller hospitals in the region, and the work already undertaken by groups such as the Ennis General Hospital Development Committee, the Independent Reconfiguration Panel in the United Kingdom and the Nenagh General Hospital Action Group, will also be taken into account as a key component of the review process.