asked the Minister for Health why he has not approved the proposals by the Western Health Board for the development of nuclear medicine in the Regional Hospital, Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Medicine.
32.
In November, 1974, the Western Health Board sought approval to the purchase of a scintillation camera costing approximately £48,000 for use in the nuclear medicine unit of the Regional Hospital, Galway. Because of the many demands on the limited capital funds available for hospital improvement works it was not possible to allocate a grant for the purchase of this equipment in 1975. The capital programme for 1976 is being prepared at present and this equipment is being considered for inclusion, together with many other proposals from health boards and voluntary hospitals. It is not possible as yet to say whether this item of equipment can be included in the 1976 Capital Programme.
There are no other proposals before my Department for the nuclear medicine unit in Galway Regional Hospital.
Would the Minister agree that it is necessary to have one in that area?
Yes, not alone in Galway but in other places as well.