asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in opening the new out-patients wing at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8; when it will open; if his attention has been drawn to the problems in terms of waiting lists and inadequate facilities being experienced by patients who are directly affected by the HIV virus; and if he will make information on the HIV virus and AIDS available on public display in the hospital through the hospital management.
Written Answers. - St. James's Hospital.
122.
There will be no delay in opening the new out-patients wing at St. James's Hospital. Equipment has already been purchased for this area and the hospital's non-capital allocation for 1989 includes a provision of £1.150 million to enable the hospital to open the X-ray, accident and emergency and out-patient facilities. The new out-patients will open as scheduled in August this year.
I am not aware of any waiting list for the services mentioned by the Deputy. While I accept that current out-patient facilities are inadequate I would like to say that they will be replaced with excellent up-to-date accommodation as part of the new out-patient department when it opens in August. The question of making information relating to the HIV virus and AIDS available on public display in the hospital is a matter for the board of the hospital.