asked the Minister for Health the hospital to which it is proposed to send TB patients from the Limerick region consequent on the closure of the sanatorium at St. Camillus' Hospital, Limerick.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick TB Patients.
7.
The Mid-Western Health Board recently made arrangements to have tuberculosis patients from their area treated in the sanatoria at Merlin Park, Galway, and Sarsfield's Court, Cork. The discontinuance of the unit at St. Camillus' Hospital, Limerick, was decided on because of the decreasing number of tuberculosis patients being treated there and the need to utilise the accommodation for other hospital purposes.
Could the Minister make any arrangements whereby relatives of patients who will now be sent to either Galway or Cork will receive some financial assistance towards the cost of travelling to see the patients?
I can appreciate the Deputy's concern and I think anybody in such a situation who would have to travel to Galway or Cork would also be concerned. I am not quite sure whether this can be done. It is done in respect of children: a certain number of vouchers is issued in a period of six or 12 months. This is a matter for the Mid-Western Health Board and I shall put the Deputy's suggestion to them.
I am sure the Mid-Western Health Board would be glad to give some assistance if the Department would sanction it. Would the Minister undertake to sanction it in those circumstances?
I do not think the Deputy would be so unreasonable as to expect that I would say that I would sanction a proposal I have not already received but I would certainly give it sympathetic consideration if it is sent from the health board.