Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2015
514. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the final report of the non-executive advisory board on the reconfiguration of acute hospital services in Cork and Kerry; his plans to provide the necessary recourses for the implementation of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29894/15]
View answer515. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps to ensure that a site for a new hospital in County Cork is identified as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29895/15]
View answer518. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health given the lack of available space for expansion of services at Mercy University Hospital and South Infirmary - Victoria University Hospital in County Cork, and the recommendation of the non-executive advisory board on the reconfiguration of acute hospital services in Cork and Kerry, if he will prioritise the development of the new hospital in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29898/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 514, 515 and 518 together.
The Chair of the Non-Executive Advisory Board for the Reconfiguration of Acute Hospital Services in Cork and Kerry made a final report to me last month, and in that context, I am aware that the Board has recommended the development of a new elective hospital for Cork which would amalgamate Mercy and South Infirmary - Victoria University Hospitals. It was recommended that the hospital should be built in a modular fashion, over a 10 to 15 year period. My Department's view is that any such development is very much a long term aspiration, and the need for same will have to be prioritised by the HSE in the context of other capital requirements around the country. In the first instance however, it will be a matter for the South/South West Hospital Group to consider the recommendation.
