Starting this Sunday, Lahardaun and Bofeenaun communities are set to lose their GP service as it moves to Crossmolina. This move affects 1,100 medical card holders without them having any say in the process. Although we understand the HSE is trying to recruit more doctors, the ongoing empty GP post in Lahardaun is a critical issue.

The idea of merging the local Addergoole Medical Centre with Crossmolina is causing a great deal of fear among its community, and rightly so. I am firm on making the HSE answerable for keeping a GP service in Lahardaun. I suggest that a locum doctor be put in place in Lahardaun immediately, whose time could be split between the Addergoole and Crossmolina healthcare settings, until a permanent GP is appointed. Will the Tánaiste speak to the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, about this serious issue quickly? We need to ensure that we have fair healthcare for all. Lahardaun needs fast action now.

That is primarily an issue for the HSE locally to resolve. Sometimes, the HSE will readvertise a position. These situations have evolved through demographic issues and so forth, including challenges in general practice in rural Ireland particularly. I will ask the Minister to talk to the HSE, but he does not get involved in every case. I presume that the HSE is alive to the issue with a view to trying to resolve it, but I will speak to the Minister about it.

I understand that it is the Deputy’s birthday today, so I will wish him “Happy birthday” and hope he enjoys it.