Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hyperbaric Facilities.

David Stanton

Question:

61 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the need to establish a number of decompression chambers here; if his attention has further been drawn to the request to the Government to support such chambers; the number of such chambers currently in use; the age of each such chamber; if the chamber is available to the public; his plans to support the establishment of further decompression chambers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12337/02]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

I understand that there are two hyperbaric chambers in this jurisdiction, one in University College Hospital Galway, UCHG, and the other in the Naval Service headquarters at Haulbowline. I also understand there are hyperbaric facilities in Craigavon, Northern Ireland. I have received a request to support the upgrading of the hyperbaric facilities in University College Hospital Galway and I refer the Deputy to my reply of 18 April 2002 on this matter.

In relation to the queries regarding the age and availability to the public of the facilities in this jurisdiction, I have asked the Western Health Board and the Department of Defence to respond directly to the Deputy with this information.