asked the Minister for Health whether he has any plans for the closure of hospitals or wards in south-west Cork.

I have no plans to close hospitals or wards in south-west Cork. The organisation of hospital services in Cork is a matter for the Southern Health Board. It is the responsibility of the board to decide the level and range of services they can provide within their allocation.

I am not aware of any plans by the Southern Health Board to close hospitals or wards in south-west Cork.

May I take it from the last sentence of the Minister's reply that it will not happen or is the Minister washing his hands of the possibility that it might happen?

No, I am just making a statement of fact. I am not aware that the Southern Health Board have any plans to close the hospitals or wards in south west Cork.

Can I assure the local communities in west Cork that I have the Minister's assurance that it will not happen?

As I have already told the Deputy, primarily it is a matter for the Southern Health Board.

Is the Minister giving an assurance?