Minister for Health Mary Harney said yesterday there was no question of downgrading A&E or any other service at Ennis Hospital.
In Co Clare to open a number of healthcare facilities, Ms Harney said: "I have just allocated €21 million towards upgrading the Ennis Hospital, including the A&E facility and the wards.
"I would not have not done that if there was any question of withdrawing services or downgrading services.
"What we want to see happening in this region is that all the hospitals, led by Limerick Regional, work together in the interests of patients."