Proposals to downgrade the hospital in Portlaoise should bring down the government, today’s meeting of Laois County Council heard.
The meeting was told if proposals to downgrade the services are accepted, particularly the A&E ones at Midlands Regional Hospital, then Fianna Fail should withdraw its support for the government.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley raised the issue at the meeting, following details of the report which were revealed by Deputy Brian Stanley over the weekend.
She noted that the report proposes that ambulances by-pass Portlaoise and go to hospitals Naas, Tullamore or Tallaght.
A total of 39,222 used the A&E in Portlaoise last year, she said.
Meeting
She proposed they seek a meeting with Minister for Health Simon Harris and local Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan as soon as possible.
Cllr Jerry Lodge said Fianna Fail should withdraw its support for the government, if it proceeds with the recommendations in the report.
He said ministerial pressure had got Stepaside Garda Station reopened and they must take similar steps to keep the hospital services in place.
Cllr Aidan Mullins agreed that the issue is one which should see Fianna Fail exit the confidence and supply agreement which is keeping the Fine Gael and Independent government in place.
“The time for talking is over. This is devastating news,” he said.
Several councillors expressed confidence that no downgrade of the hospital would take place while Minister Flanagan is in cabinet.
“There is no way Fine Gael is going to close (services at) the hospital,” Cllr Willie Aird said.
“And neither will Fianna Fail”.
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