asked the Minister for Health if he has adopted a national hospital development plan; and, if so, if he will give details.
6.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Hospital Development Plan.
5.
asked the Minister for Health if, in view of recent decisions taken by Comhairle na nOspidéal, he will make a statement on his proposals for a national hospital plan.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together. The plans for the development of general hospitals in the Dublin area provide for six major hospitals—St. Vincent's Hospital, St. James's Hospital, the Mater Hospital, James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown and new hospitals at Beaumont and Tallaght.
In the areas outside of Dublin, general hospital services are being developed in the light of the Government's stated policy to preserve the role of the county hospital in providing the necessary level of services to the local community.
Does the Minister agree with the recent decision of Comhairle na nOspidéal with regard to the staffing of the hospital at Nenagh and other places which are due for expansion?
An Chomhairle know my policy in this regard. The general approach is to provide staff as needed in any institution.
Does the Minister agree with the decisions taken by An Chomhairle in regard to these hospitals?
In regard to Nenagh, for instance, the appointment of a surgeon and a part-time anaesthetist was approved and additional posts are under consideration. There is no finality in the situation at Nenagh.
Does the Minister agree with the decisions taken recently by An Comhairle?
That is not relevant to the questions on the Order Paper.
It is relevant to the hospital development programme.
I fail to see how it is relevant because the Deputy's question relates to a different matter.
Is the Chair aware that we are to have a national hospital development programme and that Comhairle na nOspidéal took a very important decision recently with regard to Nenagh Hospital indicating that this is to be involved in the new national hospital development programme? Does the Minister agree with that decision? I want a simple reply.
My information is that An Comhairle recently approved of the appointment of one surgeon and one part-time anaesthetist for Nenagh and also have additional posts under consideration. That is fully in accordance with my policy.
Does the Minister agree with the recent decision?
I do not know what the Deputy is asking me to agree to or not to agree to but in the case of what An Comhairle have decided in regard to Nenagh Hospital that is fully in accordance with my attitude.