Vol. 520 No. 1
225 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide the C2 million necessary to upgrade the electrical system in Merlin Park Hospital in Galway; and when he will announce this in view of the fact that there has already been one life lost due to the poor electrical installations at this hospital during a power cut. [15181/00]
As the Deputy will be aware I have allocated funding under the national development plan to the Western Health Board. My Department has advised each health agency when determining priorities that particular account should be taken of health and safety issues.
The prioritisation of particular projects under the national development plan is a matter for the Western Health Board in the first instance within the context of the guidelines provided by my Department. I understand from the board that upgrading of electrical services at Merlin Park regional hospital will be addressed by the board this year in the context of their capital priorities for equipment and refurbishment for 2000.
