I propose to take Questions Nos. 1246 and 1318 together.
In our Programme for a Partnership Government, the Government has committed to bring into operation further hospices, the construction of which local communities have funded. We will encourage the development of a hospice in the Midlands and North-East, and home care in regions where there are no hospices. This commitment is in line with Government policy on palliative care as set out in the 2001 Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care.
As the development of individual hospices is a matter for the HSE in the first instance, in co-operation with the local hospice groups, I have referred the matter to the HSE for investigation and direct reply to the Deputies.