Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

647 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will implement the recommendations of the diabetes service review group report of the Western Health Board; if he will immediately approve the recommendation to appoint a dedicated diabetic specialist nurse service at the County Hospital, Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22462/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I have provided in the 2001 non-capital determination to the Western Health Board, in excess of £400 million which includes acute hospital service development funding of approximately £3 million.

The question of the provision and development of services is a matter for the Western Health Board, having regard to its overall priorities for the ongoing development of services in the region in the context of available funding. The question of funding the further development of acute hospital services will be considered in the context of funding available to me and the competing priorities in 2002. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to reply to the Deputy directly and to outline the present position in relation to the issues raised.