asked the Minister for Health if she will receive a deputation from Portlaoise General Hospital Action Committee at her early convenience as the committee are anxious to discuss the future development (staff, services, extension) of the hospital.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoise General Hospital.
1.
Agreement has been reached with the Midland Health Board regarding the services and bed numbers to be provided in the Portlaoise General Hospital when developed. A project team, consisting of representatives of the health board and my Department, have been working for some time on the preparation of a planning brief for the development of the hospital and the brief is expected to be completed within a few months. This is the first stage in the development procedures. In the circumstances, I do not see any purpose, at this stage, in receiving a deputation from the Portlaoise General Hospital Action Committee.
Members of the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee are very anxious that the Minister should meet a deputation from the hospital to discuss a number of outstanding issues in relation to its future development. I am very disappointed at the Minister's reply that he is not prepared to meet a deputation. I would ask him if he would reconsider the situation and agree to meet a deputation from this committee?
I have not ruled out receiving a deputation at some stage in the future; I said that at this stage I do not see any useful purpose in doing so. When the planning brief is completed in about two months I suggest that the Deputy or Deputy Flanagan might renew the request at that time for a deputation and I can assure them that it will be considered.