asked the Minister for Health if he has been consulted about plans to convert hospitals 1 and 7 of St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8 into private and semi-private wards; if he has given his approval to any such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - St. James's (County Dublin) Hospital.
62.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 62 together.
The admission of patients to the total bed stock of public hospitals is determined by medical need.
My Department have been consulted about the provision of extra private and semi-private accommodation at the above hospitals and have approved arrangements whereby such accommodation will be covered by the Voluntary Health Insurance Board. The income derived from these matters will go towards the total running costs of the hospitals thus contributing to the maintenance of services and employment.