Vol. 496 No. 1
169 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress, if any, made in relation to the purchase of the Meath Hospital in order that it can be used in the future as a centre for hospital services in the inner city area. [22010/98]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Meath Hospital is a voluntary hospital and as such, the hospital or its successor body, has full ownership of its site. I understand the Meath Hospital board has in the last week completed the process of transferring its property to a charitable foundation by virtue of a cy-pres scheme. It is now in a position to make decisions concerning the disposal of the property. It is my understanding that the site will be offered for sale.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Eastern Health Board secured a one year lease from 22 June 1998 for ward areas and ancillary accommodation on the part of the Meath Hospital site and is operating an extended care facility for mainly older patients on the site. The Eastern Health Board has also expressed an interest in acquiring the Meath Hospital campus. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this stage.
