Vol. 498 No. 5
167 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has for the upgrading or provision of alternative accommodation for the community welfare office, Dungarvan, County Waterford; if he will ensure that this office is retained in the town centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28122/98]
The provision of community care facilities in the Dungarvan area is a matter for the South-Eastern Health Board in the first instance.
I have been informed by the South-Eastern Health Board that the community welfare office in Dungarvan is located in Mary Street, which is separate from other community care services which are located at St. Joseph's Hospital, Dungarvan.
I understand that the South-Eastern Health Board is aware of the limitations of the premises at Mary Street for the delivery of community welfare services and is considering possible alternative locations such as the relocation of the office to St. Joseph's Hospital where it would be integrated with other community care services but would be some distance from the town centre. The relocation of the service to St. Joseph's Hospital would be dependent on the upgrading of facilities there. Financial support from my Department for such upgrading would be considered in the context of the priority attached to it by the South-Eastern Health Board, the available capital resources and the competing demands on those resources.
In the event of such relocation taking place the board is also considering the establishment of an outreach community welfare officer clinic in the town centre.
