asked the Minister for Health the date on which the Western Health Board requested funding from his Department for the new orthopaedic operating theatre at Merlin Park Hospital; and when funding will be provided.
Written Answers. - Galway Hospital Operating Theatre.
52.
The Western Health Board requested approval from my Department for the provision of a new operating theatre suite at Merlin Park Regional Hospital on 11 May 1978. Approval in principle was conveyed in November of that year and planning of the project proceeded through its several stages subsequently. I intend that funds will be made available to enable this project to be undertaken during the currency of the national plan. However, the limited capital funds available and the large number of high priority projects for which funds are required make if impossible at this stage to give precise timing for when funding will be available for this project.