Vol. 450 No. 6
75 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that substantial State funding will be made available on an ongoing basis to the north-west hospice in Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5426/95]
Limerick East): There are two voluntary hospice groups operating in the North-Western Health Board area. The north-west hospice which covers Sligo, Leitrim and south Donegal and Donegal hospice which caters for the remainder of County Donegal. The responsibility for providing hospice facilities in the Sligo area is a matter for the North-Western Health Board in the first instance. The North-Western Health Board, in addition to its own provision of hospice beds and support facilities at the board's hospitals, has also been part funding the provision of home care services by the north west hospice.
I understand that ongoing discussions are taking place between the board and the north-west hospice regarding the provision of a hospice facility on the campus of Sligo General Hospital.
I have provided £100,000 in the current year for the development of oncology services in the North-Western Health Board area. Future funding arrangements will have to be considered in the context of the many competing demands for resources throughout the health services and also in the North-Western Health Board's own area.
Since becoming Minister for Health I have asked my Department to prepare a policy statement on the whole area of cancer services. This statement will underline the importance of underpinning collaborative effort in this area by voluntary and statutory services.
