asked the Minister for Health his plans for the future of St. Ultan's Infant Hospital, Charlemont Street, Dublin; if it is proposed to close it; if so, his plans to safeguard employment of the staff there; and if he intends to negotiate the merging of St. Ultan's with any other hospital.
Written Answers . - Dublin Infant Hospital .
607.
: In the context of the present organisation of hospital services in the Dublin area and the proposed future rationalisation of these services, I consider that St. Ultan's Hospital does not have a sustainable role.
Consequently, my Department is having discussions with the hospital regarding its closure in the near future. These discussions involve consideration of all aspects of the hospital's closure including the position of the staff employed there at present. I do not consider that the merger of St. Ultan's Hospital with another hospital is a viable proposition.