I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 154 and 164 together.
In October 1999 the proposal from the NDSC to lease accommodation in Blanchardstown was discussed by the Minister and his officials. The Minister expressed concern about the very high costs of the proposed accommodation and decided that the centre should be relocated in the midland region as part of the decentralisation process. The Minister also requested that his officials meet with the chairman and director of the NDSC to convey his decision to them.
Due to other commitments, the parties involved were unable to meet earlier than 12 November 1999. At this meeting it was explained that in line with the Government's commitment to decentralisation, it was the Minister's intention to relocate the NDSC outside Dublin to the midland region. It was also pointed out that the high cost of accommodation was a factor in the Minister's thinking. A further meeting took place between the Department and representatives of the NDSC on 30 November 1999.
I fully accept the need for the National Disease Surveillance Centre to have access to the expertise of a consultant microbiologist to assist in the surveillance of anti-microbial resistant infections. The centre may make interim arrangements with a hospital for the provision of such expertise pending the joint appointment of a consultant microbiologist between the National Disease Surveillance Centre and a hospital.
I met with the chairman and director of the National Disease Surveillance Centre yesterday and they outlined their concerns about the implications of the proposed relocation. I am considering the points which they made and I will communicate with them as soon as possible.