There were tetchy scenes in the Dáil between Cavan-Monaghan TD Cathy Bennett and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
The local TD challenged the Fianna Fáil leader over the current state of health services in her home constituency.
Deputy Cathy Bennet said the people of Monaghan and Cavan deserve adequate health services and care within their community.
She said in 2002, the Taoiseach, as Minister for Health and Children, refused to give a commitment to protect emergency department services at Monaghan hospital at that crucial time.
In 2009, the hospital's emergency department was closed for good. During the exchanges, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy told Deputy Bennett if she wants an answer, she had better stop talking. The Sinn Fein TD asked the Taoiseach does he accept he was wrong to strip emergency department services from Monaghan hospital.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin insisted that the move to close Monaghan Hospital in 2009 was one he had no hand, act or part in.
