The programme for Government pledges to explore the provision of an additional surgical hub for the north west in a timely manner. On 24 February, I attended a meeting with HSE executives, who, after pressing, indicated that Sligo was the preferred choice. Shortly after that, the Minister visited Letterkenny. She came in listening mode. She listened to the professionals there and met the TDs and Oireachtas Members. She had a meeting with the consultants and representatives of the 171 GPs who favour a centre in Letterkenny. She is again meeting them this evening. I thank the Minister for doing that. She was in listening mode. I have every confidence that she will take the right decision for the people of the north west. Of course, we took all of that in good faith. We had meetings with the-----

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I know I am being squeezed out-----

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-----but this is important.

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The Ceann Comhairle would appreciate if this-----

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Will the Government confirm that a decision was taken in a back room with the Lowry supporters? Was a decision taken that the additional surgical hub would be in Sligo at the expense of Letterkenny?

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Lo and behold, the Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, is here in the House-----

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This is important to Donegal.

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I do understand it.

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I understand it, but the Ceann Comhairle was not as severe with others.

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Can I ask the Minister, the Government-----

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I could have placed the question now.

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I want to say very clearly in this House that I am a Donegal man and I am not going to accept that people from outside Donegal would take decisions for Donegal. I want to know if this decision was taken by the Government in a back room.

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Do not thank me at all.

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