The Fine Gael spokesperson on Health, Dr James Reilly, and local party representatives met in Limerick at the weekend with HSE Mid-Western network manager John Hennessy and Dr Paul Burke, the consultant charged with implementing the changes recommended in the Teamwork Horwath report.

After the meeting, Deputy Kieran O'Donnell said he had received assurances from Dr Burke that, contrary to the recommendation made in the report, St John's A&E would continue to have a doctor-led service.

The Teamwork report has been a major source of controversy because of its recommendation that the only full A&E service in the Mid-West be located at Limerick's Mid-Western Regional Hospital.

It proposed that A&Es at Ennis, Nenagh and St John's Hospitals be downgraded to minor-injury, nurse-led units.

"In terms of whether John's would become a seven-day service, he said discussions are underway and that they would be looking at that.

"In terms of the issue of emergency services, discussions are also ongoing but the assurance about doctors remaining at St John's A&E is certainly very welcome," said Deputy O'Donnell.