Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cardiac Services.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

22 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is intended to locate the new cardiac surgery unit at St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, as recommended by the Cardiac Surgery Appraisal Unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15924/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The provision of additional cardiac surgery facilities is a matter of urgent national importance and one which will require significant capital and revenue investment over the next few years. The policy decision to locate a third cardiac surgery unit at St. James's Hospital was based on the recommendations of the Cardiac Surgery Option Appraisal Group and was announced a matter of days before my appointment as Minister for Health and Children.

On taking office, I undertook to examine the report of the Cardiac Surgery Option Appraisal Group to satisfy myself in relation to the policy basis for this major service development. The question of the provision of cardiac care services overall is under review at the moment. An announcement will be made on the location of additional cardiac care services when this review is complete.