Vol. 522 No. 3
51 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the concern expressed about proposals to re-locate the National Disease Surveillance Centre in Tullamore, County Offaly, he will reconsider the decision and maintain its current location in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18534/00]
139 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the need to keep the National Disease Surveillance Centre retained in Dublin, he will give an undertaking on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18602/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 139 together.
In October 1999 my predecessor decided that, in line with the Government's commitment to decentralisation, the National Disease Surveillance Centre should be located in the midland region. In November 1999, there were meetings between officials of the Department and representatives of the national disease surveillance centre at which the basis for this decision was explained.
I recently met with the chairman and director of the centre and they outlined their concerns and those of staff about the implications of the proposed relocation. I am considering the points which they made and I will communicate with them as soon as possible.
