asked the Minister for Health the outcome of the latest application by the Western Health Board for the re-establishment of a full maternity unit at Roscommon County Hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roscommon Hospital Maternity Unit.
17.
I presume that the Deputy's question refers to the renewed applications of 4 September, 1980 by the Western Health Board to Comhairle na nOspidéal for approval to the creation of a post of consultant obstetrician — gynaecologist and a post of paediatrician at the County Hospital, Roscommon, following the decision by the authorities of Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, that they were unable to see their way to supporting joint applications for the posts with the Western Health Board.
I sought clarification from the authorities of Portiuncula Hospital in relation to some points regarding their decision and I received a letter in the matter from the authorities on 5 November.
I am considering this reply and I will write to Comhairle na nOspidéal as soon as possible as the information would be relevant to the comhairle in considering the applications from the health board.
In view of the fact that the Minister is now taking an active part in this matter in so far as he is considering the submission made to him and is to contact the comhairle, will the Minister indicate whether the final decision will be made by him or by the comhairle and when?
It is largely a question of reaching agreement between people. I was requested to attempt to achieve agreement between the hospitals concerned. If I can get that agreement the comhairle will then be in a position to make an appointment. Without it the comhairle are not in a position to do so. This is one of the practical day-to-day matters which come across a Minister's path frequently.
The Minister is then giving the House an undertaking that he has become actively involved in endeavouring to get a solution in this matter which would then allow the comhairle to make an appointment.
Not only in this matter but in others also.
Is the Minister aware that his predecessor insisted that he was not able to intervene in this matter as it was entirely a matter for the comhairle?
The decision is entirely a matter for the comhairle.
We are changing ground now.
The accommodation between the hospitals within a health board area is something which I can endeavour to facilitate.
Question No. 18.
The Minister shifted feet very quickly there.