Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 3

Written Answers. - South Dublin Hospital Services.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

105 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the decision to further defer the start of the construction of Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24, he will outline the interim measures, if any, which are planned to improve access to hospital services for the people of the area; whether any new commencement date has been set; the progress which has been made with the managements of the Adelaide, Meath and National Children's Hospitals regarding the management structure of the new hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I am satisfied that the arrangements for delivery of acute hospital services in south west Dublin are satisfactory at present. New x-ray, accident and emergency and out-patient departments are now fully operational as part of the development of phase IC of St. James's Hospital which has, to date, cost £61.4 million. I have made a further £9 million available to enable opening in late 1991 of the remaining new facilities which incorporate theatres, a 279 bed block and new burns plastics unit. Furthermore all major hospitals in the Dublin area have been requested to implement the recommendations of the Kennedy Group on hospital services in Dublin and action on foot of these recommendations should lead to an enhanced service to patients.

In relation to a new commencement date I have already informed the Deputy of the position in the Dáil Adjournment Debate of 12 February 1991.

I am still awaiting the report of the working group on management structures for the new hospital.