Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:25 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health if he will give financial assistance to Tralee General Hospital, County Kerry, to purchase a set of laparoscopic equipment.
Written Answers. - Tralee (Kerry) Hospital.
The provision of services and equipment at Tralee General Hospital is essentially a matter for the Southern Health Board. I understand that the board has purchased equipment totalling £275,000 for Tralee General Hospital over the last three years.
The board has submitted to my Department a list of equipment requirements for its hospitals including the provision of a third gastroscope for Tralee General Hospital. This will have to be considered in the light of the many competing priority equipment requirements nationally and the resources available for this purpose.
With regard to laparoscopic equipment, I understand that last year laparoscopic cholecystectomy equipment was purchased for use at Tralee General Hospital from voluntary sources. I have received no proposals from the Southern Health Board regarding the provision of further laparoscopic equipment for Tralee General Hospital.