Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 2

Written Answers. - Army Barracks.

Ivor Callely

Question:

20 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the progress with the pilot scheme to use St. Bricin's military hospital as a step down facility for civilian patients; the time schedule for matters associated with this pilot scheme; the potential use of St. Bricin's for this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13125/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith): Agreement in principle was reached last year between my Department and the Mater Misericordiae Hospital on a proposal to use St. Bricin's Military Hospital as a step down medical facility into which certain categories of civilian patients could be transferred from the Mater Hospital. It was agreed that initially a pilot scheme would be set up under which up to eight civilian patients would be accommodated in St. Bricin's for periods ranging from seven to ten days. If this pilot scheme proved successful the intention would be to enter into a long-term arrangement for accommodating up to 20 civilian patients at a time at St. Bricin's Hospital.

The Department of Health and Children has overall responsibility for the health and well-being of civilian patients in this country. Accordingly, before the pilot scheme can commence, it is essential that that Department has fully satisfied itself with regard to the arrangements surrounding the transfer, accommodation and treatment of civilian patients while in St. Bricin's Hospital. The Mater Hospital recently made proposals to the Department of Health and Children with regard to the use of St. Bricin's Hospital for civilian patients. These proposals have been examined by the Department's chief medical office and, while it is accepted that they have merit, a number of issues still require clarification to ensure that the patient is best served at all times. The Department of Health and Children is in communication with the Mater Hospital regarding these issues and once they have received the required clarification they will be in a position to make a decision on the matter. A number of legal and insurance issues will also need to be resolved prior to the commencement of the pilot scheme.

When the Department of Health and Children has satisfied itself fully with regard to the proposed arrangements, it will formally approach my Department to request that St. Bricin's Hospital provide the facilities described above. In the meantime, I remain committed to the successful implementation of the pilot scheme and the matter will be progressed as quickly as possible.