asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the advisability of utilising for the benefit of local patients the Countess of Wicklow Memorial Hospital in Arklow, which is at the disposal of the trustees for any charitable purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Utilisation of Wicklow Memorial Hospital.
2.
The question of utilising the buildings in Arklow of the former Countess of Wicklow Memorial Hospital for the benefit of local patients would be one for the Wicklow County Council in the first instance. I have received no proposals from that body in the matter nor, so far as I am aware, is it likely that any such proposals will be formulated.
Is the Minister aware that it will be necessary for this hospital to close down in the near future? Is he further aware that this hospital is freely available and that information to that effect has been conveyed to the Department of Health should that Department wish to take it over? The reply the Minister gave, in so far as I heard it, seemed to indicate that he is not aware of these facts.
It is a matter, in the first instance, for the Wicklow County Council.
I do not think it is. I think it is a matter for the Department of Health.