Vol. 412 No. 2
101 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health if his Department have instructed the South-Eastern Health Board to introduce contract cleaning and contract catering services in the new extension to Wexford General Hospital; if he will outline the consequences of any such action for full-time staff at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In the interest of securing maximum efficiency in the use of limited resources it is now standard practice to evaluate all options, including contracting out of certain support services, in the commissioning of new units of accommodation. This evaluation is concerned with standard and quality of service to be provided as well as cost.
Following discussions between my Department and the South Eastern Health Board, I understand that the health board are examining all options in relation to catering services for the extension at Wexford General Hospital and that the arrangements for cleaning services will also be reviewed in this context.
102 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health the reason his Department have not provided adequate finance to pay for dental treatment of medical card holders to a dentist (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The making of arrangements with private dental pactitioners in the Tipperary South Riding area for the provision of treatments to eligible persons and payment for the services provided is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board.
I have asked the chief executive officer of the South-Eastern Health Board to reply to the Deputy on the question of payment to the dental practitioner concerned.
