asked the Minister for Health what plans are on hand to increase the number of beds at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, so as to relieve the great demand from patients awaiting eye operations and treatment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Hospital Beds.
36.
As I informed the House on 28th ultimo, building works at present in progress at this hospital will make 17 additional beds available this summer, and when these works are completed, it will be possible to provide, in accommodation now in use as a theatre, a children's ward of ten to 12 beds.
Plans for adaptation of adjoining premises to house administration and staff, so as to free additional accommodation for patients in the hospital, have recently been received and are being examined urgently in my Department. It is hoped that the vacated accommodation can be used to provide an additional 20 beds, but detailed plans for this development have not yet been received.
Does the Minister think that these are sufficient to meet the demands in full?
Mr. O'Malley
These plans in isolation, no.
Would he not consider more adequate plans to deal with this very long waiting list?
Mr. O'Malley
We are considering them.
When will they be ready?
Mr. O'Malley
They are under consideration. I cannot say when they will be ready. Consideration will certainly be completed before the end of the year.