asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the grave overcrowding in the maternity unit at Saint Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny; what steps he proposes taking to alleviate this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
6.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kilkenny Hospital.
5.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the acute overcrowding in the maternity unity of Saint Luke's County Hospital, Kilkenny; and what steps he will take to provide an immediate satisfactory solution.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions No. 5 and No. 6 together.
I am aware that there is a problem of overcrowding at the maternity unit in the County Hospital, Kilkenny. My Department has requested the SouthEastern Health Board, who are primarily responsible for the provision of services in the area, to furnish, as a matter of urgency, a report on the situation together with an indication of the steps which it is proposed to take to ease this problem. The position will be examined urgently in my Department in the light of any proposals which the health board may submit for my approval.