asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the future position of the Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin 2; and if he will give a commitment that it will remain open for the next and subsequent years.
Written Answers. - Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital.
129.
It has been agreed to transfer the services currently located at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital to appropriate general hospitals in Dublin and to the general hospital at Tullamore. This redistribution of services is in accordance with the policy established, following reports by Comhairle na nOspidéal on ophthalmic and ENT services. It is intended to relocate ophthalmic services primarily at St. Vincent's Hospital and regional ENT services at St. James's Hospital.
The time scale involved in the orderly relocation of services from the Royal Victoria Hospital is one of many issues currently under discussion between officials from my Department and the relevant hospitals. It is hoped to begin the process of transferring ENT services from the Royal Victoria Hospital by the start of 1990 and to complete the transfer of ophthalmic services during that year. I can assure the Deputy that the Royal Victoria Hospital will remain open until all services have been successfully relocated elsewhere.