I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 47 and 200 together.
On 23 April 1987 I asked the board of management of Temple Street Hospital to reduce their staff by about 3 per cent between 31 March 1987 and 31 December 1987.
The financial allocation made to the hospital in 1986 was £8.419 million. The allocation for 1987 is £7.673 million.
The bed complement of the hospital has been reduced from 169 to 109 beds in the current year.
The hospital authorities plan to reopen additional beds in the near future. As part of this process active consideration is being given to a proposal to re-classify as semi-private ten beds which are now out of commission. This would serve to increase the available bed complement and result in additional revenue for the hospital.
I am satisfied that the essential components of the paediatric service continue to be available and that children in need of urgent treatment continue to receive it.
In regard to speech therapy services, I am informed by the hospital authority that, while there may be some delays, all children who have been attending the hospital will continue to receive therapy.
The hospital will be reviewing the position in relation to psychology services in the light of its allocation for 1988.
