Seán Haughey
Question:310 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide a second echo machine in the cardiology department of Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23556/98]
Written Answers - Hospital Services.
This year the acute hospitals' letters of determination included a specific allocation in respect of priority medical equipment. In the case of Beaumont Hospital, a sum of £0.630 million has been provided for this purpose. I have made inquiries of the hospital and it has confirmed that the purchase of a second echo machine for the hospitals cardiology department was not included in its list of priorities for funding in 1998. If this item is prioritised by the hospital for funding in 1999, it will fall to be considered in the context of its overall priorities for capital funding and the many competing demands within the acute hospital sector.