asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed to publish the report of the study group on child hospital services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Child Hospital Services.
6.
I have had this report under consideration and while it is desirable that it should be made available to the interested organisations I have not decided in what manner this might best be done. The object of the study which was undertaken under the auspices of the Irish Paediatric Association was to relate the development of paediatric hospital services to the recommendations made in the FitzGerald report with particular reference to Dublin.
Would the Minister say why there is such a delay in the publication of the report and is it a fact that it conflicts with the FitzGerald report in its recommendations?
There is actually nothing secret about the report which was prepared by the Irish Paediatric Association at their own wish. It was not ordered by me as Minister for Health through the formation or appointment of any consultative council.
Was it not formed on the recommendation of the former Minister for Health, Mr. Flanagan?
As far as I know, the proposal came originally through the paedíatric association.
Would the Minister say why the report which was with him since last summer has not been published yet? Is he aware that a number of people are interested in this report? Would he like to comment on the statement I made that it conflicts with the FitzGerald report?
There is nothing secret or sensational about the report. It makes a number of valuable proposals with regard to the future of paediatric work in Dublin. The Deputy is correct that it recommends the coming together of paediatric hospitals in one group in regional areas and city areas. Part of the report conflicts, to some extent, with the FitzGerald proposals which made it quite clear that any paediatric unit should be associated, if possible, with the general hospital, either on the site or in close association with it. The rest of the proposals are in relation to domiciliary services and out-patient services for paediatric cases. There is nothing controversial about that.
Can the Minister state if the report will be published soon?
Yes, if the paediatric association wish to publish it.
It does not lie with the Minister?
No.
I am calling Question No. 7.