Vol. 473 No. 4
146 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Health when the plans will proceed for the refurbishment of Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel and St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel, County Tipperary; the reason they have not gone to tender after a lapse of 12 months following his announcement in relation to the hospital services in south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1019/97]
Limerick East): Following the resolution of difficulties between the South-Eastern Health Board, the Cashel Hospital Action Committee Limited and Jack Crowe on hospital services for South Tipperary, I confirmed my commitment to the provision of the £12.5 million investment in health services for Clonmel, Cashel and Tipperary town.
In relation to St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel, surgical services are due to be transferred there from Our Lady's Hospital, Cashel. A planning brief is almost completed and it is expected that instructions can be issued to a design team in the next few weeks. I am prepared to commit £5 million for the building phase of this proposal.
Planning briefs relating to Cashel-based services are almost completed. It is expected that the selection and appointment of the design team will be completed soon.
