Vol. 507 No. 3
42 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the bed capacity in St. Bricin's Hospital; if there is additional space adjoining the hospital which is not being used by the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16310/99]
Following the recent completion of contracting work which had necessitated the temporary closure of two wards, a total of 64 bed spaces are currently available in St. Bricin's Military hospital. An additional 20 bed spaces will become available shortly, following the completion of refurbishment work to another ward. This means that St. Bricin's hospital will shortly have a total of 84 bed spaces available.
The hospital also has an additional 30 potential bed spaces in ward no. 5. However this ward is in need of very substantial refurbishment, including repairs to its roof. As sufficient beds are available for the admission of military patients, it is not proposed to carry out this refurbishment work at this time.
The St. Bricin's hospital complex is located on approximately four acres. At present, the question of whether any lands not required for military purposes might be disposed of is under consideration.
