Mr. Noel Fox is currently engaged in a study of the following hospitals as the first phase of a wider examination of the scope for improvement in the utilisation of resources within health boards and voluntary hospitals:— Mater, St. Vincent's, Beaumont, St. James's, Meath/Adelaide, Cork Regional Hospital.
Mr. Fox is maintaining close liaison with the Department of Health and a range of other health bodies during the conduct of the study.
Comhairle na nOspidéal is at present reviewing the future consultant manpower requirements in the Mid-Western Health Board area, at the request of the Board.
While each of the two studies is concerned with quite distinct issues, the Deputy can be assured that any liaison, which may be desirable during the conduct of the studies or in the subsequent implementation phase, will take place.