The Minister for Health Simon Harris has said that ‘no decision’ on the future of Portlaoise Hospital has been made.
The Fine Gael TD made the comments in the Dail this morning in response to a question from Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley as to when a promised public consultation will begin.
Minister Harris said: “I am not satisfied that the consultation of the past was comprehensive nor inclusive enough.
“And I’ve heard very clearly from GPs in Portlaoise in relation to that and from clinicians within the hospital and from the Laois Oireachtas members on a cross-party basis.
“So I would like to, on the record of this house, assure the deputy that no decision has been made by me or the Government in relation to the draft plan.
“Before any such decision is made, there needs to be a new consultation process which is inclusive, exhaustive and which is actually engaging and meaningful.”
There are ongoing fears for the future of Portlaoise after a leaked report proposed it should be downgraded.
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