asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that restriction of funds for health institutions will not result in neglect of essential maintenance and thus mean extensive expenditure in the future.
Written Answers. - Maintenance of Health Institutions.
214.
I accept the Deputy's point that neglect of essential maintenance is likely to give rise to extra financial requirements in the future. The provision to be made for the various expenditure elements of their budgets within the overall approved allocations is, however, a matter for decision by the health boards and the authorities of hospitals and homes. It is to be assumed that the provision for essential maintenance costs will be determined in the light of future cost implications of significant under provision under this heading.