Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 3

Written Answers - Hospital Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

186 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider allowing pituitary gland patients living in the west of Ireland to have blood tests carried out at the University College Hospital Galway to alleviate the hardship and cost of travelling to Beaumount Hospital in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14139/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of medical treatment is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board in the first instance. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of that board to investi gate the position in relation to the issue raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.