Senator Seán Kyne

Fine Gael Carlow/Kilkenny TD, Pat Deering, has welcomed the publication of the Higgins' Report on the Establishment of Hospital Groups and the Small Hospital Framework, which were approved by the Cabinet earlier today (Tuesday). Deputy Deering added that St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny will benefit from working together with other hospitals as part of the new Dublin East Hospital Group.

Fine Gael Cork South West has hailed the reorganisation of public hospitals in Ireland as the most significant reform of the healthcare system in the history of the State.

Fine Gael Meath West TD, Damien English, has today (Tuesday) said that the publication of the Higgins' Report on the Establishment of Hospital Groups and the Small Hospital Framework, will lead to the biggest reorganisation of hospitals here in the history of the State.

Fine Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, has said the Higgin’s Report on the Establishment of Hospital Groups and the Small Hospital Framework which has been approved by Cabinet this afternoon (Tuesday) will result in better service provision, the retention of well trained staff and the development of specialities in smaller hospitals.

Fine Gael Waterford Senator, Maurice Cummins, has said the fact that Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH) is to retain its current suite of cardiology, trauma and oncology services under the Report on the Establishment of Hospital Groups and the Small Hospital Framework, which has been approved by Cabinet this afternoon (Tuesday), signals a bright future for the hospital in the years ahead.

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy Paudie Coffey has said that essential patient care services will be retained at Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH) in the new reform of Hospital Groups, which will be presented to Cabinet today (Tuesday).

To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding allowing minor injury units to introduce fees of €100 for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Health his views on the possibility of imposing a monthly cap on prescription charges in order to ensure that persons with multiple prescriptions are not discouraged from purchasing medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter.