asked the Minister for Health what contribution he is prepared to approve for eligible patients to the Haughton Hospital, New Ross, County Wexford.
14.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Ross Hospital.
13.
asked the Minister for Health if he has received an application from the Haughton Hospital, New Ross, for approval of this institution as a nursing home; on what date such application was received; and if he proposes to sanction the request.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
The receipt of an application for approval of this institution as a nursing home cannot be traced in this Department. If the standards are considered to be satisfactory on the basis of an inspection by a medical inspector of my Department and if the fire precaution arrangements are passed by the local fire officer, I would be prepared to give the desired approval. The appropriate contribution in respect of eligible patients would be at the rate of 14s per day for a period of six weeks in each case and subject to extension at the discretion of the appropriate health authority.
Is the Minister aware that a letter was written by the secretary of the hospital to his Department on the 15th May, 1970, of which I have a copy? How is it that the Department of Health or the Minister for Health never received this letter?
We simply could not find the letter. We have asked the superioress of the institution if our medical inspector can come down and visit the premises. We are getting over the fact that there was no letter by getting in touch with the superioress.
Could the Minister give me any idea when the matter will be finalised, as he will appreciate that the hospital trustees are waiting for a considerable time?
If the report is favourable and the fire precautions are adequate, the institution will quickly be authorised for the purpose for which it is required.