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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 1947

Vol. 108 No. 14

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sanatorium Accommodation.

asked the Minister for Health if he will give particulars, for each county, of the number of persons awaiting sanatorium treatment.

I would refer the Deputy to the answer given by me on the 8th ultimo to a similar question by Deputy Norton. There has been no material change in the position since that date.

asked the Minister for Health whether he is prepared to consider, as a temporary measure, the taking over of a number of the luxury Fáilte hotels, owned and controlled by the Irish Tourist Board, for use as sanatoria.

It is not proposed to take over for use as sanatoria the buildings referred to in the Deputy's question. It is the experience of the Department that buildings of this type are not suitable for the accommodation or treatment of persons suffering from tuberculosis without extensive alterations or adaptations. Accordingly, pending the construction of the regional sanatoria at Dublin, Cork and Galway, which will provide approximately 2,000 beds and which will be equipped in accordance with the most modern standards, the Department has adopted the policy of urging local authorities and others concerned to extend existing accommodation wherever possible. In pursuance of this policy plans for the provision of an additional 692 beds have been approved recently. Other proposals for additional accommodation are under consideration and will, it is hoped, be dealt with at an early date.

Is the Minister aware that the failure to provide adequate sanatoria accommodation is tantamount to condemning a number of tuberculosis sufferers to death?

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