Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan expects that a decision on the future of Portlaoise Hospital will be made later in the summer.
Speaking to Midlands 103, the Minister for Justice said that he is opposed to any downgrading on the facility.
He is against the five year strategy by the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, which proposed establishing a medical assessment unit at the Laois facility while expanding services in Tullamore and Tallaght.
Health Minister Simon Harris said last month he’s committed to securing its future, and a public consultation has begun.
Minister Flanagan said: “I believe it is important that we recognise the centrality of Portlaoise Hospital as a health service provider.
“I’m opposed to any downgrading of services in Portlaoise because I don’t believe there is the capacity within the health service to provide alternative arrangements.
“I am in regular contact with Minister Harris on this issue.
“I would expect that (a decision) will be later on in the summer.”
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