WEST CORK SUPPORT RALLY and PUBLIC MEETING

Saturday 26th November, 12:30pm, in Skibbereen

Our first public rally in support of our current emergency services took place at 12:30pm, on 26th November in Skibbereen.

We’ll update this page with the highlights shortly, but in the meantime here’s a video that reflects the fantastic support shown by the people of West Cork.

Minister for Health and Public Representatives

Invitations were extended to the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, and to other public representatives to attend the rally, and we received the following responses:
 
 

Minister for Health, James Reilly TD

Dear Mr Fahy

The Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly TD, has asked me to thank you for your recent correspondence inviting him to speak at the Public Rally of West Cork SOS to discuss West Cork Ambulance Services and the Minor Injuries Assessment Unit in Bantry General Hospital on Saturday 26th November 2011 at 12.30pm in Skibbereen.

Unfortunately due to a previous engagement, the Minister regrets that he will not be in a position to attend at this event.

Yours sincerely

Stephen Doran
Private Secretary

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Michael McCarthy TD, Labour

Dear Frank,

I wish confirm my attendance at the protest march on Saturday November 26th.

You can be assured of my ongoing committment and support in this regard, and I will continue to bring it to the attention of Minister Reilly and his officials within the Department.

Kind regards,

Michael McCarthy

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Brian Crowley MEP

Dear Frank

I write with regard to your telephone call to Brian’s office yesterday, regarding the Government’s plans to cut ambulance services in West Cork and invitation to attend the Support Rally and Public Meeting in Skibbereen on Saturday, 26th November next. Unfortunately, as I mentioned during our conversation, Brian is in hospital this week for a minor procedure and will therefore not be able to attend. He has asked me to pass on his apologies and to assure you of his support and help in this matter.

He has written to both the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly TD and the CEO of the HSE, Cathal Magee, outlining the devastating impact these cuts would have on the area and the risk to the safety of both residents and visitors if these services are curtailed. He has also urged Minister Reilly to look favourably upon your request to meet with a delegation to discuss this.

I hope the above is of some help but if there is any further way you feel Brian may be of assistance in this matter, please don’t hesitate to contact us again.

Kind regards

Colette Forde
Assistant

Brian Crowley MEP

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Noel Harrington TD, Fine Gael

Hi Frank,

Just to confirm that I will be attending on Saturday.

Regards

Noel Harrington

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Sandra McLellan TD, Sinn Fein Cork East,
Padraig MacLochlainn TD, Sinn Fein Donegal North East

Hi Frank,

Sandra McLellan (Cork East TD) and Padraig MacLochlainn (Donegal North East TD) from Sinn Féin are available and intend to attend the rally on 26th November.

Kind regards,

Darren O Rourke
PA to Deputy Sandra McLellan

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Denis O’Donovan, Senator

Confirming my intention to attend and speak

Denis O’Donovan
Senator

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Jim Daly TD, Fine Gael

Frank,

I wish to acknowledge your invitation to attend and address the public meeting in Skibbereen on Saturday November 26th. I will be unable to attend on that date as I will be out of the country. I wish to thank you also for allowing me the opportunity to meet with the committee on Monday November 21st in Skibbereen in order to clarify my position in relation to the proposed changes to the Ambulance service in West Cork.

I look forward to meeting you on the night and wish you and your committee continued success in raising awareness of this very important issue.

Kind regards

Jim Daly

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