asked the Minister for Health whether he has received proposals for the extension of the district hospital, Kenmare, County Kerry, to provide for a geriatric unit; if so, if he will state the present position in the matter; and if no proposals have been received, if he will state what powers he has in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Hospital.
8.
I have not received any such proposals. I would refer the Deputy to section 38 of the Health Act, 1970, for a definition of my powers in regard to the provision and maintenance of hospitals by health boards.
In view of the fact that of the whole south-west region there is urgent need for a geriatric unit in Kenmare, would the Minister take the matter up with the Southern Health Board as an exception in this particular case?
The community service programme manager will be looking into the whole question of accommodation for geriatric cases and I have no doubt that the question of Kenmare will be examined. The health board have been given an idea of the general policy in regard to the provisions for geriatrics in the form of assessment, rehabilitation and the building of hostels for ambulant geriatrics and accommodation for the chronically sick. I will draw the attention of the community programme manager to what the Deputy says.