asked the Minister for Health the present position regarding the remaining section of the unit for the young chronically disabled at St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park, Dublin 20; the reason it has not been opened; if he will provide the necessary funds immediately as there is an urgent waiting list for admission there; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Hospital Unit.
28.
The Eastern Health Board is responsible for the provision of care for the young chronic sick at St. Mary's Hospital. The unit has a total of 48 beds and to date 24 of these beds have been opened. A sum of £556,000 is required to commission the remaining beds. It has not been possible for the board to allocate funds for the opening of these beds from within their allocation in the current year and my Department was unable to make additional funds available.