Vol. 478 No. 3
43 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Health if he will give a de facto commitment that there will be adequate funding to keep the Galway Hospice open to full capacity on a permanent basis from the end of 1997 onwards; the amount being allocated in this regard in 1998 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11092/97]
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.
Payments 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, the board has indicated 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 service levels to be provided beyond 1997 will fall due for discussion with the board in due course, when it has had an opportunity to asses the 1997 service arrangements.
