asked the Minister for Health if he will state the average daily cost per Donegal patient in (a) Castlereagh sanatorium and (b) Killybegs sanatorium.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sanatoria Costs.
According to the latest information available to me, which relates to the local financial year ended 31st March, 1953, the average daily cost of maintenance of patients at St. Patrick's Chest Hospital, Castlereagh, was 23s. 3d. and at St. Columba's Hospital, Killybegs, was 14s. 9d.
In comparing these figures, it is necessary for the Deputy to bear in mind that Castlereagh was not designed for the treatment of tubercular patients and that it is merely a temporary institution. These factors, together with the fact that staffing costs are higher because of specialist facilities not provided at Killybegs, explain the difference in cost.