asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that, owing to the failure of his Department and the two public bodies concerned to agree in the matter of maintenance charges in the T.B. Hospital City Home, Limerick, the accommodation in this institution, though suitable, is not availed of by people suffering from tuberculosis, and that consequently those people are put to serious hardship by being compelled to enter the county home at Newcastlewest, where the accommodation is most unsuitable; and whether in these circumstances he will take steps to bring about a satisfactory agreement between these bodies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answer. - Limerick Hospital Charges.
It is to be regretted that agreement on this matter has not been secured between the two local bodies. Any failure on their part to come to an agreement cannot be attributed to my Department, which has done all in its power to bring about agreement. I am still hopeful that the Department's efforts will meet with success.
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, is he in a position to state whether or not trained personnel and facilities for the modern treatment of persons suffering from tuberculosis are available at the county home in Newcastlewest and, if such are not available, what steps he proposes to take to make them available, pending a settlement of the dispute?
I think, that is a separate question.