asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the bacteriology unit of the laboratory attached to Castlebar General Hospital, County Mayo, may have to close due to the inadequate staffing level of technicians; and if he has any proposals to increase the complement of staff there in the immediate future.
Written Answers. - Castlebar Hospital Unit.
476.
I am not aware that the bacteriology unit of the laboratory attached to Castlebar General Hospital, County Mayo, may have to close due to the inadequate staffing level of technicians. Inquiries to the Western Health Board indicate that the question of closing the bacteriology unit does not arise.
It has not been possible to make funds available this year for additional posts in the health services except to a limited extent for the commissioning of new units of accommodation. Health boards have been informed that proposals for the creation of new posts will be considered if it can be shown that the cost can be met from economies and within their allocations for non-capital expenditure.