asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been directed to the published statement on the annual report of Peamount Sanatorium, made by the chairman of the committee, in which it is stated that the costs of the hospital have considerably increased since last year; and, if so, if he will see that the splendid work of the hospital is not retarded in any way through the lack of funds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Institutions' Deficits.
Mr. Byrne
Mr. Byrne
asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the statement of Lord Glenavy at the annual meeting of the Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, in which he stated that if the hospital did not get financial assistance more closely related to what it needs, there would be no alternative but to close down some of the wards in the hospital, and if, in view of the splendid work done in the hospital for Dublin citizens and persons from all parts of Ireland, he will see that its work is not retarded in any way through lack of funds.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 15 and 16 together. I have seen the statements referred to. The deficit on the accounts of Peamount Sanatorium for 1950 was met in full from the Hospitals' Trust Fund, and of the deficit on the accounts of the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital for the same year, amounting to £16,302, all but £1,711 was similarly met.
I am awaiting the submission to me by the Hospitals' Commission of their report on the accounts of the participating hospitals for 1951. I shall consider the deficits question for that year immediately I receive that report.
Deputies who are members of local authorities will be aware that the capitation rates payable by such authorities in respect of patients sent by them to voluntary hospitals have been in most cases doubled in the last few years at the expense of the Exchequer and local rates. The capitation rates for national health insurance patients have been similarly increased. The latest of these increases, which has effect from 1st January last, should result in substantially greater revenues for the hospitals mentioned in the current year.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister has not answered the last part of the question as to whether he will see that funds are forthcoming immediately so that the hospital's work will not be retarded in any way. These are the first of a number of hospitals in the same position which are being handicapped by lack of funds in carrying on their operations. Will the Minister recommend to the Hospitals' Commission to release some of the funds left in their hands?
The Deputy had better study the answer and see what is in it.
Mr. Byrne
I see nothing in the answer which would indicate that immediate relief will be given to the two institutions mentioned.
The Deputy did not want to hear what is in the answer.
Mr. Byrne
I heard the answer but it gave no satisfaction. The Hospitals' Commission is giving a headache to many of the voluntary hospitals by not releasing funds to meet deficits.