asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the recommendations of the North Tipperary Health Advisory Committee referred to him by the Mid-Western Health Board, he will now receive a representative deputation from the area before deciding on the future status of Nenagh County Hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nenagh County Hospital.
33.
The Mid-Western Health Board asked me on 22nd January, 1974 to receive a deputation of members of the board to discuss the future role of Nenagh County Hospital but it would be premature of me to consider receiving such a deputation until I have received and studied the views of Comhairle na nOspidéal and the Cork Regional Hospital Board on the future hospital organisation in the mid-western area. I expect to receive these views in the near future.
Does the Minister recall telling me in the House in November last that he expected to have these views at the end of December or early in January?
Yes. That was my information at the time. I am informed that Comhairle na nOspidéal will be meeting on the 20th of this month and that the Cork Regional Hospital Board will meet next week to consider the recommendation of the working parties. I assume that after those meetings I will be furnished with a full report and with the observations of those bodies.
Accepting that and allowing for the possibility of a difference of opinion as between the recommendations of the bodies referred to and those of the local health advisory committee, would the Minister be prepared to receive a representative deputation for the purpose of considering the balance of argument from both sides?
I am aware that the Tipperary North Riding committee have reservations regarding the overall proposals but I can assure the Deputy that I will consider the views that may be expressed in any minority report that may come from any of the various health board regions.
Will the Minister accept——
Deputy Ryan should put down his own questions. I had not finished. This is my question.
It is not unusual for other Deputies to ask supplementaries.
There are many people other than Deputy O'Kennedy interested in Nenagh Hospital. I am entitled to speak here. Deputy O'Kennedy did not speak on this matter two years ago when he should have done so. If the recommendations of the North Tipperary advisory committee are realistic and are believed to be in the best interests of the people of the area will the Minister be prepared to consider them fully?
The Deputy is reading that.
I have the courage to speak here on this matter unlike another gentleman who, two years ago, failed to raise the matter.
The Deputy is reading.
Let him speak.
Will the Deputy please be brief?
(Interruptions.)
Order.
I am prepared to wait until such time as these gentlemen are prepared to stay quiet.
Read on.
Furthermore——
(Interruptions.)
There are a number of educated gentlemen on the other side of the House. I am endeavouring to make a point but I am not being allowed to do so.
The Deputy must be brief in respect of a supplementary question.
On a point of order, is it in order for the Deputy to read his supplementary?
Would the Minister agree that a visit of ten minutes duration of the working group of Comhairle na nOspidéal is an adequate basis on which to deprive the people of North Tipperary of their hospital?
I am aware now that the working party entertained the local committee for only ten minutes. Again, I give the assurance, without any promises, that all minority report recommendations will receive my attention.
Question No. 34.
One last supplementary—in view of the research which the action study group, a representative group of professional people, trade unions and others, have carried out within a short time, would the Minister be prepared to indicate that after he has received the recommendations from the health board and the hospital board he will receive a deputation from this action group so that they might elaborate on their recent proposal, not on an emotional but on a factual basis?
I have had similar recommendations from various other parts of the country. After considering minority reports in respect of certain areas I would be prepared to consider whether I should receive deputations from local organisations.
Can the Minister say whether at that stage he would be prepared to communicate with me? Otherwise it will be necessary for me to put down another question.
I do not mind questions.
Can the Minister say whether Comhairle na nOspidéal will be submitting their views? It was my understanding that the decisions of that body on these matters are final.
The final decision rests with the Minister for Health in consultation with his colleagues.