asked the Minister for Health the amount of public money paid to the Eye and Ear Hospital (or Royal Victoria Hospital) in the years 1965-66, 1968-69 and 1969-70; and the degree of control which his Department exercises over the expenditure of public moneys in support of what are customarily described as voluntary hospitals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Eye and Ear Hospital.
10.
The amounts of grant paid from the Hospitals Trust Fund in recoupment of revenue deficits to the hospital referred to were £44,291 in 1965; £99,500 in 1968 and £117,568 in 1969. Grants from the same source towards capital expenditure were £947, £10,630 and £3,656 respectively, in the same years.
Grants to voluntary hospitals towards revenue deficits are made on the basis of estimates submitted through the Hospitals Commission before the commencement of each year and audited accounts submitted after the close of each year. Interim statements and other detailed information are also obtained as required by the commission, and the revenue deficits as reported to my Department by the commission for purposes of grant payments are based on approved expenditure and income. Any matters of principle or matters involving substantial sums of money are specially reported to, and decided by me. Grants towards capital expenditure are limited to works and purchases towards which my specific approval is obtained in advance.