James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive is considering restricting the operation of emergency departments in a number of hospitals around the State to 12 hours daily; the hospitals that are being considered as part of this cost saving measure; the amount that will be saved from this objective; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31407/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The Deputy will be aware that, in line with existing plans for the region, the Emergency Department at Louth County Hospital, Dundalk was converted to a Minor Injury Unit from 9 am to 8 pm each day with effect from the 29th June, 2010.

My Department is not aware of any proposals by the HSE to move from the service commitments given in its National Service Plan 2010. Their Service Plan for 2010 has, as a key result area, the reconfiguration of emergency services to ensure that they serve an appropriate population catchment, and are resourced to provide comprehensive emergency services and care for other urgent needs and minor injuries. Plans to meet that objective continue to be developed by the HSE.