asked the Minister for Health the position regarding surgery in the Sheil Hospital, Ballyshannon, County Donegal; and whether he will give an assurance that surgery will be continued there for the foreseeable future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Hospital.
5.
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to questions on 14th June and 17th July, 1973, in relation to this hospital.
In the latter reply I indicated that Comhairle na nOspidéal had agreed to the temporary appointment of a surgeon to the hospital initially for a six-month period and subsequently for a second period of six months commencing on 1st August, 1973. In the meantime I understand that arising out of discussions between the governors of the hospital and the North-Western Health Board the governors are taking steps to lease the hospital to the board. The board would envisage using the hospital as a community hospital transferring to it work done in Ballyshannon district hospital. This hospital would then become available for use as a welfare home. In the circumstances I am not in a position to give the assurance requested by the Deputy.
Question No. 6 postponed.