asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the erection of a hospital in the Ballyfermot area of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot (Dublin) Hospital.
107.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the provision of a general hospital in the Ballyfermot area. The question of the hospital services required for the south city area is dealt with in the report of the Consultative Council on the General Hospital Services which envisages the development of a regional hospital on the Elm Park site and a general hospital, of not more than 500 acute care beds, in St. Kevin's Hospital. I have indicated my acceptance, in principle, of the recommendations in the report and I have asked the hospital authorities concerned, that is, Dublin Health Authority, the Federated Dublin Voluntary Hospitals and St. Vincent's Hospital, in association with their medical staffs, to consider the matter and report to me. I hope to receive their report early in the New Year. When I have received and considered it, I would hope to be in a position to indicate specifically the programme for general hospital development in South Dublin.
Would the Minister tell us when he decided to have the inquiries made?
It was recommended in the report that I should have these inquiries made so in pursuance of that I asked the various interests to gather together and to report to me by the end of January. I understand they will be able to do that.
Very good indeed.
Before the Constituencies Bill is passed.
It will not be built though.