Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1802. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of his discussions with his counterpart in the Six Counties in relation to Lifford Community Hospital, County Donegal; the expected impact these discussions will have on the proposed closure of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38874/12]
View answerMy colleague Minister Reilly met with his Northern Ireland counterpart the Minister for Health, Public Health and Social Safety, Edwin Poots in July to discuss cross border services. This included discussions concerning the possibility of cooperation of services in community nursing homes between the two jurisdictions.
The provision of services at Lifford Community Hospital, which is registered with the Health Information and Quality Authority, is an operational matter. Accordingly the Deputy’s question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. The Deputy may wish to note that should there be concern for the future of any home, the HSE will engage fully in a local consultation process with all stakeholders before any decision is taken.
