I propose to answer Questions Nos. 31, 42, 50, 76, 88 and 135 together.
The areas referred to by the Deputies are part of a ten point action plan on accident and emergency services, which I announced on the publication of the Estimates for 2005. A sum of €70 million is available to the Health Service Executive this year for these initiatives. I have met with senior management of the HSE and my Department is working closely with the HSE to ensure the early implementation of these measures.
The Government's programme for capital investment in hospital infrastructure is continuing and is resulting in new and improved accident and emergency departments being provided around the country. New accident and emergency departments have been provided at Cork University Hospital, James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Naas General Hospital, South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel and Roscommon General Hospital.
I welcome the recent intervention of the Health and Safety Authority. The HSA has a clear statutory role in health and safety in the workplace. The HSA has investigated specific incidences in hospitals in the past and has worked with the hospital authorities to ensure that satisfactory mechanisms have been put in place to safeguard health and safety. The HSA has asked hospitals to carry out a comprehensive risk assessment of their accident and emergency departments. This will be done with the co-operation of management and staff in each hospital.