Hogan open to Naughten return

Environment Minister Phil Hogan said today that he believes Roscommon TD Denis Naughten will eventually rejoin the party's ranks, after he was recently expelled from the parliamentary party.

Deputy Naughten voted against the Government earlier this week following a debate on the future of A&E services at Roscommon County Hospital.

The HSE has confirmed that the Emergency Department will be downgraded on Monday, amid concerns over patient safety.

"I think Denis' family have connections with this hospital as well, which made even it all the more difficult, and he lives in that town," said Minister Hogan.

"It's automatic that you lose the party whip once you vote against party policy for signing the party pledge, and you know, in time, hopefully, things might come around that Denis will find himself in a position to rejoin the ranks."