Robert Molloy
Question:63 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Health the reason funding has not been approved for the Galway Hospice to enable it to receive patients on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3920/97]
Written Answers. - Galway Hospice Funding.
Limerick East): My Department's funding provision for the Western Health Board this year includes an additional revenue allocation of £500,000 in respect of the Galway Hospice Foundation. This figure is over and above the sum of £100,000 already allocated in 1996, giving a total provision of £600,000.
Payment of the extra funding was subject to an acceptable service agreement being reached between the Western Health Board and the Hospice Foundation. In this connection, my Department has now been informed by the health board that it has reached the basis of an agreement with the foundation whereby an in-patient service can be provided from 1 May 1997, using nine beds at the Galway Hospice.
The question of 1998 service levels will fall due to be discussed with the board in due course, when it has had an opportunity to assess the 1997 service arrangements.