asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of complaints concerning the delay in sanction by his Department for applications by Dublin hospitals for additional staff or equipment; and that one hospital (name supplied) is awaiting sanction for tender for the provision of a lift since January 1968; and if he will make a statement on this and the general position of delay in these matters.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Hospitals' Staff and Equipment.
79.
I am not aware of any general complaints concerning delay by my Department in dealing with applications by Dublin hospitals for additional staff and equipment. In particular instances, delays may occur, but any such delays would arise from the detailed examination of the applications which it is necessary to apply where public moneys are involved.
With regard to the proposal for a new lift for a particular Dublin hospital mentioned by the Deputy a number of possible alternatives have to be examined before a final decision on the hospital's application could be arrived at. This examination has recently been completed and I have arranged to have a grant for the work allocated.