Vol. 441 No. 3
56 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Health the degree and scope of current facilities available to patients who require laser treatment for birth marks or similar conditions; the proposals, if any, he has for the improvement of these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The number of laser treatments provided at St. James's Hospital, Dublin in 1993 was 1,692. My Department provided capital funding of £25,000 in 1993 towards the provision of improved facilities for an extended service for such treatments and this facility will be available shortly. This will comprise a new dedicated suite and a new state-of-the-art laser which will be suitable for treatment of birth marks and similar conditions.
A new laser, particularly suitable for the treatment of port wine stains, has been donated to the hospital by the Smurfit Foundation and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the foundation for its valuable input to the development of this important service.
