The Taoiseach says the HSE is looking at increasing capacity in the health system but hasn't confirmed if Monaghan Hospital is among the facilities being examined.
Speaking in the Dáil, local TD Matt Carthy asked for the Government to review the provision of services at smaller hospitals like Monaghan in order to reduce pressure on larger facilities.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Government wants to see the development of "short-term" capacity in hospitals, particularly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He told the Dáil the HSE is looking at how to increase capacity "in certain locations" to deal with the increased number of patients expected over the coming months.
But the Taoiseach said the provision of healthcare services today is done on medical advice and not at the will of politicians:
