asked the Minister for Health the reason the new health centre in Dundalk, County Louth, has remained unoccupied although it has been completed for six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dundalk Health Centre.
9.
The new health centre in Dundalk is one of a number of new units ready for commissioning but was awaiting the provision of capital and revenue funds. As the health board has indicated that actual net additional revenue costs of operating the new centre at Dundalk will be insignificant, I have recently approved the capital funds necessary to complete the furnishing and equipping of the centre. The new centre should, therefore, be ready for occupation later this year.
Is the Minister aware that there is a dispute between the health board and those working for the health board who are supposed to move to the health centre about disturbance money?
I understand that a claim has been lodged by the Local Government and Public Services Union on behalf of the administrative and clerical staff involved in the transfer to the new centre for relocation and disturbance compensation and the use of canteen facilities in the county hospital. I am concerned about that claim and I hope that the matter will be resolved and that the centre will be opened. I am very concerned about servants' claims generally in the health services.
Would the Minister accept that this is the reason why the building is not occupied at the moment, not because it is waiting for furniture?
I do not think so. The main preoccupation on the part of my Department was the general running revenue cost. If it is the basis of a delay certainly I would be very concerned. I hope that disturbance compensation claims of this nature will not prevent the opening of a new health centre.
Will the Minister inquire into this from the health board and use his offices to ensure that the dispute will be resolved?
I will indeed and I will write separately to the Deputy on the matter.