Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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319. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the closing of nine beds in the Cottage Hospital in Drogheda, the threat of closure of the Cottage Hospital, and the closure of nine beds in St. Oliver's in Louth County Hospital, Dundalk; and if he will instruct the HSE to implement a fast-tracking process for the approval of the filling of nursing vacancies at national level similar to the 28 days for approval of vacancies for mental health services posts. [32709/16]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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320. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that despite local management of the Cottage Hospital in Drogheda submitting a business case for the approval of the filling of vacancies for nursing posts at the hospital in April 2016, that senior management of the HSE at national level only approved the filling of these vacancies in late September 2016 after they had closed 18 beds, nine in the Cottage Hospital and nine beds in St. Oliver's in Louth County Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32710/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 319 and 320 together.

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.