asked the Minister for Health if as a matter of urgency he will sanction the tender for (a) the erection of an industrial therapy unit, (b) the renovation and repair of the churches and (c) the installation of a lift at St. Fintan's Hospital, Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Hospitals.
14.
The health board's proposal for the acceptance of a tender for the erection of the industrial therapy unit is under consideration in my Department and has been the subject of correspondence with the health board.
Tenders have not yet been invited for the renovation and repair of the churches or for the installation of lifts in the hospital. The planning of both schemes is proceeding.
15.
asked the Minister for Health if, in connection with the proposed extension to the county hospital, Portlaoise, his Department will give consideration to the inclusion of (a) a new intensive care unit and (b) a new X-ray department; if he is aware that these proposals were receiving urgent attention from Laois County Council prior to the setting up of the Midland Health Board; and if, in view of the fact that this extension is of the utmost importance for the efficient running of the hospital, steps will be taken to expedite sanction of the proposals.
As the Deputy will appreciate, proposals relating to this hospital as well as proposals relating to other acute hospitals in the area administered by the Midland Health Board will need to be reviewed by the board and an order of priority established related both to the appropriate development of the services in the area and the constraints imposed by the limitation on the funds available for capital development. When the board submits to me its proposals drawn up on this basis I will have them examined as expeditiously as possible.
16.
asked the Minister for Health if he will sanction the provision of recreation rooms at St. Vincent's Hospital, Mountmellick, Laois, so that the Midland Health Board can have this work put in hands as a matter of urgency.
Tenders for this scheme were submitted to my Department on the 4th June and are under examination at present. When this examination has been completed, I will inform the Midland Health Board when work on this scheme may commence.
Questions Nos. 17 and 18 postponed.