asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate the progress that has been made towards the opening of the new maternity unit at St. Luke's hospital, Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Kilkenny Hospital.
408.
The new extension to the maternity unit at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, has been completed but it has not been opened because the South Eastern Health Board has not yet assigned the necessary staff to run it.
The staffing arrangement for this unit is a matter for the health board and will have to be implemented by the re-deployment of staff and other resources from other areas of the board's activities since it will have to contain expenditure within the limits of its revenue allocation.