asked the Minister for Health the present position regarding the request from the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin, 1 for a new casualty and out-patients' department; when he expects to be able to announce a decision in this case; and if he will make a statement on his attitude to the development of this hospital.
Written Answers. - Dublin Children's Hospital.
357.
I presume that the Deputy's question relates to the proposals submitted to my Department by the authorities of the Children's Hospital, Temple Street in April 1979 for a new casualty and out-patients' department as part of a scheme for the major development of the hospital.
While I accept the need for improved out-patient and casualty facilities at the hospital it has not been possible to allocate funds for the project in view of the present curtailment of public expenditure. I will however reassess the position regarding the proposal as soon as appropriate, having regard to the availability of funds and the demands on these for the various projects before my Department.
I propose that the Children's Hospital, Temple Street should continue to be developed as the main paediatric centre for North Dublin.