Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2011
487 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will detail the purpose of his official visit to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on 3 October 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28464/11]
View answer488 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when his official visit to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, of 3 October 2011 was arranged; whether it was arranged at his request or if the hospital initiated contact regarding the engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28465/11]
View answer489 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the meetings he undertook with senior management at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, during his official engagement of 3 October 2011 regarding the hospital’s budget overrun, management of patient care and concern about withdrawal of front-line services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28466/11]
View answer490 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will detail and itemise the costs incurred by him associated with his official visit to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, of 3 October 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28467/11]
View answer491 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will detail any correspondence engaged in by him or his Department concerning his official visit to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on 3 October 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28468/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 487 to 491, inclusive, together.
I visited Connolly Hospital on 3 October 2011 to officially open the impressive 20,000 square feet Endoscopy Suite at the Hospital. This was on foot of an invitation extended to me by the hospital on 14 June. During the course of my visit I met with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D., and the Minister for Social Protection, Ms Joan Burton T.D. I also met with senior management personnel and consultants from the hospital including Professor Conor Burke, Dr. Joe Galvin and Dr. John McDermott.
The only costs that would have been incurred by myself would be in relation to official mileage and a claim for this period has not yet been submitted. Other than initial correspondence concerning the invitation, briefing material was provided to Ministers Varadkar and Burton.
