Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 2

Written Answers - Military Hospitals.

Ivor Callely

Question:

175 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the length of time involved in agreement being reached in order for St. Bricin's Hospital, Dublin 7, to be used for the treatment of civilian patients; the reasons for delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13760/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

There is a considerable degree of preparatory work currently being undertaken by the principal parties involved in this project, prior to the start of day-case surgery services for civilian public patients at St. Bricin's Hospital.

This preparatory work is proceeding towards completion under the respective aegises of the Northern Area Health Board and the Mater Hospital, these bodies being the primary agencies whom the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have undertaken to facilitate in this matter. Officials of my Department are maintaining contact with the Northern Area Health Board in particular, while the Medical Corps are in liaison with the board and the relevant authorities at the Mater Hospital. A number of personnel from the surgery division at the Mater Hospital are due to visit St. Bricin's today for an on-site inspection, with a view to familiarisation and to highlighting any material alterations that may be required.

The Mater authorities are in the course of preparing a formal plan for the introduction of the proposed civilian day-case surgery services at St. Bricin's. A working group drawn from the various interests will then proceed to address the practical implementation of that plan by way of its integration within the normal day-to-day functioning of St. Bricin's military hospital.

Question No. 176 answered with Question No. 86.