asked the Minister for Health if, having regard to the large population in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin, he will have steps taken to erect a general hospital in that locality to meet the needs of the residents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot (Dublin) General Hospital.
1.
Mr. Ryan
I have no information that persons resident in Ballyfermot experience difficulty in securing admission to general hospitals. Having regard to this fact and to the fact that in Dublin city and county the number of separate public hospitals, excluding those for infectious and mental diseases and for the mentally retarded, is no less than 30, of which incidentally 15 are general hospitals, I cannot accept that a case exists for an addition to their number by erecting one in Ballyfermot.
The Deputy is no doubt aware that a hospital could not be built in this area unless the necessary funds were provided by the Dublin Health Authority. In the absence of need, the provision of such funds would place an unjustifiable financial burden on the citizens of Dublin, as ratepayers and taxpayers, but particularly as ratepayers.