The detailed stastistical information requested by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department at present and I will communicate with him at a later date.
The development of hospital services in County Clare is a matter for the Mid-Western Health Board in the first instance.
In relation to acute hospital services the health board have decided that these services should continue to be provided at Ennis General Hospital. This decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of all the relevant factors and taking into account the extent to which Limerick Regional Hospital provides services for the Clare area.
With regard to the psychiatric service the health board are developing these services in County Clare along the lines recommended in the report Planning for the Future. This involves the replacement of the traditional institutional based service at Our Lady's Hospital, Ennis, by a comprehensive community based psychiatric service. Day hospitals have been established at Kilrush, Ennis and Ennistymon which catered for 208 persons in 1989. A 30 place day centre is operating at Friary Hall, Ennis, and Dulick Enterprise Centre at Our Lady's Hospital provides workshop facilities for 30 people. In addition the health board have nine hostels with 56 places in various locations in County Clare.
