Michael Creed
Question:48 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health if he is concerned about his Department's failure to make adequate provision for replacement of essential medical equipment in the various health boards throughout the country.
Written Answers. - Replacement of Medical Equipment.
The current policy of my Department is that the cost of replacement medical equipment should, with the exception of major items, be met from the non-capital allocations of the health boards. Accordingly, the question of making provision for this expenditure is now a matter for the health boards in the first instance. However, I accept that in the difficult financial situation which has obtained in recent years, it has not always been possible for the health boards to make adequate provision under this heading. The question of making a special capital provision on a once-off basis for major replacement equipment is being considered at present and the extent and timing of this will depend on the availability of resources.