I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 11, 116, 142 and 143 together.
I requested my special adviser to visit Monaghan and Cavan on a fact-finding mission on my behalf. She met representatives of the North Eastern Health Board, the medical board of Monaghan General Hospital, the medical board of Cavan General Hospital, representatives of the County Monaghan community alliance and representatives of Monaghan General Hospital development committee. She also met members of the steering group which was established by the board to oversee the reconfiguration of services at Cavan and Monaghan hospitals. The purpose of the visit was to inform me of the position concerning the proposed reconfiguration of services within the group.
I have outlined to the House the range of developments in the hospital group arising from the report of the steering group. My Department has been advised by the board that it has established an implementation group to continue the various developments in the hospital group as a matter of priority. It is my intention to meet Members from Cavan and Monaghan next week. All options will be explored, including the use of Monaghan General Hospital as a location for the delivery of the NTPF services.