asked the Minister for Health if there is conflict in the case of an officer (details supplied) of the Southern Health Board who is a member of the board and actively involved in promoting a voluntary/public hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Southern Health Board Member.
164.
I am satisfied that there is no conflict involved for the officer to whom the Deputy refers. He is a nominee of the Southern Health Board on the board of a voluntary hospital which, with an adjoining hospital, is now run by a conjoint group of ten directors, nominated by the governing bodies of the two hospitals. He is not a member of that group and is, therefore, not involved in the ongoing management of the hospital.
As I have made clear on many occasions, I believe that it is very important that there be the closest possible co-ordination and co-operation between all the general hospitals in Cork. I am satisfied that this officer's involvement is helpful in this regard.