The Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Ms Síle de Valera, has declined to endorse calls for the retention of the 24-hour A&E service at Ennis General Hospital.
In her first public comment on the controversial Hanly plan for a reorganisation of the health service, Ms de Valera said it was important to look "calmly and unemotionally" at the position and to get the best possible service for everyone.
As part of the proposals recommended by Hanly, A&E services at Ennis and Nenagh General Hospitals are to be downgraded.
Asked if she shared the concerns of the county's medical profession at the proposed downgrading of the A&E service at Ennis General Hospital, Ms de Valera said: "I can see where that particular concern would come from, but again I think it is important not to overreact."
On the Hanly report, Ms de Valera said: "Rather than shooting down the whole thing, let us see exactly what the proposals mean and let us work to those, ensuring that there is the kind of health service that we need in the county."
