asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the need for extra bed accommodation for geriatric cases in Dún Laoghaire; if he can expedite the opening of additional accommodation at Leopardstown Park Hospital, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - South Dublin Geriatric Accommodation.
356.
The provision of accommodation for geriatric patients in the south Dublin area, including Dún Laoghaire, is primarily a matter for the Eastern Health Board.
Recently a committee of that board prepared a report, with recommendations, on services for the aged in the board's area, which was considered at a meeting of the health board on 1 May 1980. I understand that the report is to be further considered by the health board.
In the meantime, however, certain steps are being taken by the board to provide additional geriatric accommodation in the south Dublin area, including the provision of ten extra welfare home beds in Donnybrook and 57 beds in the former Clonskea Fever Hospital. A scheme to provide improved and additional accommodation at Simpson's Hospital, Dundrum, is also being planned.
With regard to Leopardstown Park Hospital, the position is that a unit containing 22 beds for geriatric patients came into use on 1 June 1980.