Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

149 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans for St. Joseph's Hospital, Raheny, Dublin 5, in view of his announcement that he is acquiring it on behalf of the Eastern Regional Health Authority; and his policy in respect of private health facilities which come into public ownership, regarding the mix of private versus public work that can be undertaken. [3548/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I recently gave approval in principle to the Eastern Regional Health Authority to purchase St. Joseph's Private Hospital in Raheny, Dublin. Additional funding under the national development plan is being allocated to the ERHA to fund the purchase, subject to the completion of the sale between the parties involved.

A range of services are being considered for the site, including the provision of specialist and day case services with the aim of reducing the number of public patients currently on waiting lists for treatment.

The purchase of St. Joseph's will facilitate additions to the range of services currently being provided by the Northern Area Health Board and other public health service providers in the area. The decision to purchase the facility was taken in the context of the Government's continuing determination to address bed capacity deficits in the health service, both in the acute and non-acute sectors. The public private mix in public hospitals is under continual assessment by my Department with the objective of ensuring that the best possible service is available to all patients, but particularly the public patient. Decisions on the use of private facilities which come into public ownership will continue to be taken in that context.