asked the Minister for Health if he will approve the plans for the provision of a kidney dialysis unit for Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry, where service could be provided at a cost of £43,000 per annum, bearing in mind the fact that a local contribution of £90,000 has been collected to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter giving a breakdown of the cost of installation and cost of annual operation.
Written Answers. - Tralee General Hospital Dialysis Unit.
115.
The Southern Health Board has submitted proposals to my Department for the provision of a satellite dialysis unit at Tralee General Hospital. The capital cost of this proposal which would have been met by the Irish Kidney Association was £90,000. However, the revenue costs would amount to approximately £43,000 per annum and in view of the existing difficult financial situation and the priority requirements of the Southern Health Board I cannot provide these additional funds. Ther Southern Health Board has been informed accordingly.