Health Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 February 2005

Wednesday, 23 February 2005

Questions (104)

Willie Penrose

Question:

148 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason ENT services were discontinued at Longford County Clinic, Longford; if her attention has been drawn to the significant imposition that this will be upon persons who wish to avail of the service; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that there are over 100 patients at the present time awaiting these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6369/05]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Service Executive was established under the Health Act 2004 on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is responsible for managing and delivering, or arranging to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Therefore, it is responsible for the provision of hospital services. Accordingly, the Department of Health and Children has asked the chief officer for the executive's midland regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.