I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Sisters of Mercy, the trustees of St. Michael's Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, have agreed, in exchange for the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, to transfer trusteeship of St. Michael's public and private hospital facilities to the Religious Sisters of Charity.
The implications of the merger are now being addressed by a joint working group comprising representatives from both hospitals which will make recommendations on the details of the transfer between the orders. The working group has specifically been advised to develop proposals having regard to the management of the facilities under one board of management and the service requirements of the patients and community the hospitals serve. The order envisages that the transfer of trusteeship will be completed by May 2000.