asked the Minister for Health the hospital building programme in respect of each health board region for the next five years; and the estimated cost in each such region.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Building Programme.
33.
Until I have determined a programme of hospital development it will not be possible to draw up the hospital building programme for the next five years.
The position about the hospital development programme is that at my request the health administrative bodies—the health boards, regional hospital boards and Comhairle na nOspidéal—set up joint working groups for each health board area to identify for the area the possible solutions which would conform to guidelines drawn up by the Comhairle as a sound basis for the study of the future development of the hospital services. The working groups reported back to the administrative bodies mentioned and these bodies have now supplied their views to me on the solutions proposed. Examination of the reports is proceeding as a matter of urgency in my Department and, when this is completed, and after consultation with the other members of the Government, I will determine a programme of hospital development for the whole country.
When is that likely to be determined?
In the next few months.