asked the Minister for Health if he will make a detailed statement regarding the delay in opening Bantry central hospital, indicating when it is likely to be available for service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bantry Central Hospital.
7.
The delay in opening the new hospital in Bantry is due to the difficulty which is being experienced in filling the posts of surgeon and physician, due to the ban which the Irish Medical Association has placed upon these posts.
Will the Minister not agree that this hospital was available for opening in January, and is it not a grave scandal that the people of West Cork should be denied the services of that hospital due to this dispute? Would the Minister not agree that the right thing to do would be to open the hospital and let the negotiations, so far as the dispute is concerned, continue with the hospital open and serving the people?
The Deputy is making a speech.
Am I to assume, Sir, that when I ask a question, you are to preclude the Minister from replying?
The Deputy knows that I am merely putting Standing Orders into operation.
I am entitled to a reply from the Minister.
I have nothing to add to the reply which I have given.
The Minister thinks that it is quite all right to keep Bantry Hospital closed indefinitely?
The Deputy should address his remarks elsewhere.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I wish to give notice of my intention to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.