Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:37 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to make up the shortfall of £3.7 million in the Western Health Board's budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Western Health Board's Shortfall.
Brian Cowen
Ceist:57 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the budget of the Western Health Board in the current year, is £3.27 million underfunded; that since £1.86 million of this shortfall is in the area of hospital funding, it places serious doubt over the continued existence of St. Patrick's Psychiatric Hospital, Castlerea, County Roscommon, and the level of care and service in (1) the County Hospital, Roscommon, (2) University College Hospital, Galway and (3) the County Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 57 together.
The Western Health Board have approved a series of measures which will allow it to operate within budget in 1991.
I am satisfied that the measures approved by the board are achievable and that the board will continue to provide a satisfactory level of service throughout this year.