Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
278 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to expanding the accident and emergency service in Letterkenny, County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1619/05]
View answerThe Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Responsibility for the provision of services at Letterkenny General Hospital rests with the executive. My Department has, therefore, requested the chief officer of the executive's north-western area to investigate the position in relation to this matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.
I have identified the delivery of accident and emergency services as a priority area for attention. I have announced a ten point action plan on accident and emergency services which is being financed with €70 million current funding and €10 million capital funding. My Department is liaising with the Health Service Executive to progress the implementation of the plan.
