Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 6

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

11 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the campaign by Tralee senior citizens group to provide a district hospital in Tralee, County Kerry; if he will ensure that the Southern Health Board will provide this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18854/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

As the Deputy is aware, the provision of facilities for older people in County Kerry is, in the first instance, a matter for the Southern Health Board.

I am advised by the board that the need for a community hospital in Tralee has been identified. The board has indicated that the project will be included as part of its development plan for community hospitals. However, the board also states that the role and shape of such a facility will not be determined until a range of other developments relating to the care of older people in Kerry are first put in place. These developments range from the provision of community support services to the establishment of a day hospital and rehabilitation unit at Tralee General Hospital. The Southern Health Board's priorities for the improvement of services for older people in County Kerry will be the subject of detailed discussions with my Department and will be advanced as resources permit. In this regard I should point out that I have provided additional capital funding of the order of £3.25 million to the Southern Health Board in 1998 for the improvement of facilities for older people, including the upgrading of a community hospital in Dingle and the provision of day care facilities also in Dingle.