Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 7

Written Answers. - Curragh Military Hospital.

Seán Power

Question:

222 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children if he would examine the feasibility of using the facilities at the Curragh Military Hospital, in view of the enormous demands being placed on Naas General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7011/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Following discussions between the Eastern Health Board and the Department of Defence regarding the use of the facilities at the Curragh Military Hospital, the board was advised that the accommodation housing the hospital at the Curragh is to be retained as a military medical facility and that there is no plan to vacate this accommodation. The board was further advised that in the event of the Department of Defence discontinuing the medical facility it is its policy to retain all buildings at the Curragh Camp for military use and the siting of a civilian facility in the centre of a military installation would not be appropriate for security reasons.

As the Deputy is aware, the revised phase II development brief for Naas General Hospital has been approved and incorporates the following additional provisions as compared to the original proposal: additional general medical and surgical ward, 31 beds; department of medicine for the elderly; day services unit; department of radiology; operating department and department of physical medicine. The completion of phase II of the hospital development will address all the problems currently being encountered. In the interim, the hospital management, in consultation with the director of nursing, the medical advisory committee and the appropriate department head, is currently considering all available options to alleviate current difficulties.