Vol. 495 No. 1
265 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has considered the plans of the Orthopaedic Hospital, Clontarf, Dublin 3, for further development of its cost effective services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19654/98]
The development of new facilities at the Incorporated Orthopaedic Hospital, Clontarf is an important element of the overall development of rehabilitation services in north Dublin. Following the completion of the first phase of the new development in 1996, a project team comprising representatives of the hospital and officials from my Department began work on a development brief for the second phase of the work required at the hospital. The brief for the second phase of the development includes provision for three 32 bed wards, physiotherapy and occupational therapy facilities, X-ray and out-patients departments, new kitchen and canteen, boiler room and service accommodation, and new main entrance and reception area.
The brief was submitted to my Department in December 1996 and is currently under consideration.
Officials from my Department met with the secretary manager of the hospital on 23 June 1998 to discuss this issue and it was agreed that he would meet with Eastern Health Board officials to discuss the hospital's role within the health board area as a whole.
I recognise the important role played by the Incorporated Orthopaedic Hospital in the north Dublin hospital service and I am committed to ensuring that the hospital has the necessary infrastructure to properly fulfil its role. When my
