Vol. 516 No. 1
79 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give an assurance that the necessary accommodation for laboratory facilities are included in phase 2B developments at Longford-Westmeath General Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath; if he will ensure that the microbiology unit in Mullingar General Hospital will be accommodated in the new laboratory facilities to be provided as part of phase 2B; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7078/00]
80 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children when the group considering the completion, equipping, fitting out and staffing of phase 2B at Longford-Westmeath General Hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath, will be in a position to report progress; the timescale involved for phase 2B to be completed and ready for occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7079/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 80 together.
The project team for the development of phase 2B of Longford-Westmeath General Hospital, Mullingar is at present completing the brief for this project and it is expected that the finalised brief will be forwarded to my Department by the end of March 2000. The requirements for the laboratory department are being considered by the project team in this context and having regard to the recommendations of the Midland Health Board's March 1998 report of the Committee on Pathology Services.
