Vol. 556 No. 4
187 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children when the refurbishment and extension to the Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles, County Tipperary, is to begin; the funding allocated for this project; and the completion date of same. [20771/02]
The provision of health services in Thurles is a matter for the Mid-Western Health Board. The board has identified the replacement of the Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles, as a priority project for funding under the national development plan. Stages 4 and 5 of the planning process have now been completed.
188 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will authorise funding for a permanent full-time children's ear and throat consultant for Tallaght hospital in January 2003. [20772/02]
189 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the situation whereby children with hearing problems, after waiting 11 months in some cases to see a children's ear and throat consultant at Tallaght hospital, have had their appointments cancelled due to the fact that there has been no children's ear and throat consultant at the hospital for the past three months and that the consultant employed on a temporary part-time basis has a huge backlog of patients; and the measures he intends to take to ensure all such children who have been waiting to see a consultant will be seen promptly. [20773/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.
Responsibility for the funding of services at Tallaght Hospital rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has therefore asked the regional chief executive officer of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
