Vol. 519 No. 5
205 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the continuing delay by his Department in completing the agreement with the management of Portiuncula hospital and the Western Health Board; the budget to be provided to the Western Health Board for the running of the hospital; the development plans for the hospital during the next five years under the health board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14334/00]
Discussions are ongoing between my Department, the Western Health Board and the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood, as owners of Portiuncula Hospital, in relation to finalising arrangements for a transfer of ownership of the hospital. I understand that a good deal of progress has been made to date in successfully addressing the wide ranging issues involved, including those of a financial, human resource and legal nature. I understand that any outstanding issues are being actively progressed with a view to achieving a smooth transfer of ownership and management at an early date. It will be the intention that the role of Portiuncula Hospital in providing acute hospital care to the people of its catchment area will continue to be developed under the new ownership arrangements.
