Vol. 467 No. 7
102 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health whether he will take the steps necessary to ensure the amalgamation of the Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, County Louth, with the North Eastern Health Board, particularly in view of the recent Hederman report conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14224/96]
107 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health the reason for the continued delay in the purchase of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; whether he intends to continue with this proposal; whether the North Eastern Health Board will take charge of all aspects of the medical and administrative control of the hospital; if current staff numbers at all levels will be maintained; the proposed number of members of the management board; the person who will appoint the board members; the controls, if any, the North Eastern Health Board will have in the running of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14254/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 107 together.
My Department is in ongoing discussions with the North Eastern Health Board and the owners of the hospital, the Medical Missionaries of Mary, with regard to the transfer of ownership of the hospital. There are a number of legal requirements which remain to be finalised before the purchase can be completed. However, the Department has agreed a timeframe with the order within which the sale should be completed.
Following the transfer of ownership, it is the intention that existing overall staff levels will be maintained and all staff will continue to enjoy the same benefits and conditions of employment. In regard to the other issues raised by the Deputy, these matters remain to be resolved in the context of the overall negotiations concerning the transfer of ownership of the hospital.
