asked the Minister for Health if he has had any recent discussions with the Southern Health Board about staff provision for their five year old facility at Hollyhill, Cork; and if it is his intention to sanction staff positions to enable this building to carry out the functions for which it was built.
Written Answers. - Southern Health Board Facility.
190.
I understand this unit was discussed briefly at a meeting between officers of the board and of my Department last November.
This unit is included in the plans drawn up by the Southern Health Board for the development of psychiatric services in this area. The board sought approval for the creation of extra posts to enable the unit to open but it has long been the view of my Department that it should be staffed from within the board's existing resources.
I expect there will be further discussions soon with the board with a view to bringing this facility into use.