asked the Minister for Health if there are any proposals under consideration in his Department for the building of a regional hospital in Cork City; and, if so, whether he is in a position to indicate when the work is likely to commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospitals for Cork City.
Proposals for the building of a regional hospital in Cork City have already been approved in principle in my Department. The question of the accommodation to be provided is at present under discussion with the local authority. When this has been finally determined it will be the responsibility of the local authority to expedite the preparation of plans so as to enable the work to commence. It is not at present possible to indicate when the work is likely to commence, but when agreement is reached on the question of accommodation, every effort will be made to encourage the preparation of plans without delay.
Is the Minister aware that the building of this hospital is more than 15 years under consideration?
I am well aware of it, and I am sure that I cannot be held to blame for that. I will do everything I can to expedite the building.
Is the Minister aware that an agreement was reached long ago between the local authority and the Department as to the number of beds to be provided in this hospital?
I did not catch what the Deputy said.
I should like to know what local authority is contacting the Minister now in regard to this, because a decision was arrived at by the South Cork Board of Public Assistance long ago as to the number of beds.
That is another question. If the Deputy puts it down I will let him have the information required.
asked the Minister for Health if he can state what is the present position regarding the building of a maternity hospital in Cork City.
In view of the shortage of accommodation for maternity cases in Cork City, the provision of a maternity block in the new regional hospital, which will have priority in construction, is at present under discussion with the local authority. If the proposal is approved it will be the responsibility of the local authority to expedite the work. In order to relieve temporarily the present shortage of maternity accommodation in Cork City, a scheme has been approved for the provision of approximately 30 additional maternity beds in Cork County Home and Hospital, and the local authority have appointed an architect to prepare the necessary plans.
Is the Minister aware that already two sites have been acquired for the building of this maternity hospital over a considerable number of years and that each site was condemned by the former Department? The South Cork Board of Public Assistance acquired a site for this hospital six or seven years ago. What is holding up the building of it now?
Discussions are going on between my Department and the local authority and we hope that the local authority will accept 100 beds in the regional hospital as a solution of this very long delayed problem with regard to the provision of adequate maternity facilities in Cork City. I hope the authority will accept the proposal and then there should be no further delay.