asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the recent statement by the Master of the Rotunda Maternity Hospital that there is an urgent need for an extra 25 pre-natal beds, 38 post-natal beds, and 11 additional beds in the gynaecological department to meet present needs in the hospital, he will state what consideration his Department have given to the matter; and what action is proposed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rotunda Hospital, Dublin.
30.
Consideration of proposals for improvements and extensions to the Rotunda Hospital has been the subject of correspondence and discussions between the hospital authorities and my Department for some time and the planning of some items which are urgent is well advanced. The hospital authorities are also drawing up detailed proposals covering the over-all needs of the hospital including the provision of additional beds in the departments listed in the question. These proposals were again discussed at a recent meeting in my Department and the hospital authorities indicated that they expect to be in a position to put forward outline plans in the near future. I intend to go into the matter fully when these proposals are received.