Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2005
165 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when funding will be awarded to allow the special care baby unit at the Regional Hospital, Mullingar to open immediately on a full time basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15537/05]
View answer170 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if approval has been given for a special care baby unit at Mullingar General Hospital; if so, when approval was given for this unit; and the funding allocated to this unit. [15640/05]
View answer171 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a special care baby unit has not yet opened at Mullingar General Hospital (details supplied). [15641/05]
View answer172 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the special care baby unit at Mullingar General Hospital will be allocated staff and funding (details supplied). [15642/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 170, 171 and 172 together.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of hospital services at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's midland area to examine the issues raised and to reply to the Deputies directly.
