Vol. 512 No. 1
187 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will provide the funding for Monaghan General Hospital to allow the much needed restructuring and development work to continue without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25675/99]
A project team has already commenced work on preparing detailed proposals for the development of both the Monaghan and Cavan sites of the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group in line with the North Eastern Health Board's plan for the development of its acute hospitals. I expect to be in a position to fund an agreed set of developments under the National Development Plan. The exact level of funding involved will depend on the project team's proposals and on the availability of capital resources under the plan.
In the meantime, I allocated a sum of £500,000 to the Monaghan site of the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group for important capital improvements in 1999. The North Eastern Health Board is using this funding for a major refurbishment of the paediatric ward and the female medical ward. The board is also providing for a much needed extension of car parking facilities and for substantial improvements in the pharmacy and laboratory services. In addition, the board has purchased new x-ray equipment, and is also using some of the funding for important repair work, including exterior painting, roof repairs and window replacement.
I am committed to continuing to develop the Monaghan site in a way that ensures the best possible service for patients in the area.
