asked the Minister for Health if he has received representations from the North Eastern Health Board about the future of Trim Maternity Hospital; and, if so, (a) the date on which the representations were made and (b) if he has yet made a decision on them.
Written Answers. - Trim Maternity Hospital.
125.
On 21 November 1980 the North Eastern Health Board wrote to my Department indicating that the number of births in this small maternity hospital are decreasing steadily and that the hospital is regarded as totally inadequate from the structural and service viewpoints and asking me to make a decision as to the future of this maternity unit. However, this is primarily a matter for decision by the health board in the first instance. If they decide to discontinue this maternity unit my consent to this step would be needed. A letter informing the health board to this effect has been issued by my Department.