Joe Walsh
Question:70 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the proposal to establish a new maternity unit on the grounds of a hospital (details supplied) in Cork. [13879/96]
Written Answers. - Maternity Unit.
Limerick East): As I stated publicly on a number of occasions, I am committed to putting the resources in place to support the development of enhanced maternity services in Cork. I was pleased, therefore, to learn recently that consensus had been reached between the agencies in Cork to amalgamate the services on the Cork University Hospital site.
It is understood by all parties concerned that this is a long-term solution which will now require detailed planning and examination by the Southern Health Board, in close consultation with the Department. In this regard, the Deputy will wish to know that I recently gave the go-ahead to the establishment of a project team, whose task is to prepare a design brief for the development. I have received the Southern Health Board's nominees for the project team and I would expect the first meeting to take place in the coming weeks.