Roger T. Garland
Ceist:133 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the future role of a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and whether he intends to reassess the teaching role of this hospital.
Written Answers. - Future Role of Dublin Hospital.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:134 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health the reason he asked the Kennedy committee to reassess the Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24, plan without consulting the Adelaide Hospital, Dublin 8, when the Government were reconsidering the whole Tallaght hospital project.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:135 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health the way in which he envisages the future of the Adelaide Hospital, Dublin 8.
Roger T. Garland
Ceist:138 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Health the reason a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 8, has received serious underfunding for the running of the hospital over the last number of years, especially in 1990, 1991 and 1992, in spite of an assurance that the hospital would not be placed under such financial pressure that their board would be significantly reduced in their capacity to negotiate the future of the hospital, specifically 1990, 1991 and 1992; and if he will make a statement as to the reason it has, in real terms, received less funding in each subsequent year.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 to 135, inclusive and No. 138 together.
In relation to the questions raised by the Deputy about the future of the Adelaide Hospital, the protection of its ethos and its ongoing revenue funding, I would refer the Deputy to Minister of State Flood's statement on 31 March, 1992 (columns 2474-2490) and my statement on 1 April 1992 (columns 237-244) during Private Members' time which dealt with these issues.
On the question of funding, the Deputy is well aware of the difficult economic climate which prevails, and which is likely to do so for the foreseeable future. I know that many health agencies are experiencing difficulties in living within their approved allocations. The challenge that faces them is enormous, but it is one that must be tackled on a daily basis.
I accept that the Adelaide Hospital, because of its special teaching role, would like to be in a position to use all of its available beds. Due to the overall restrictions on resources for the health services, I regret that this has not been possible in the current year. With regard to the funding of the hospital in 1992, I and my officials have met with the hospital authorities within the past few weeks and have agreed the parameters, including financial, within which the hospital will function for the remainder of the year. It has been agreed that the hospital will keep 150 beds open and that it will maintain activity at 1991 levels. A further meeting with the hospital authorities will take place on the 23rd of this month.
In relation to the report on the Tallaght Hospital Project by the Dublin Hospital Advisory Group chaired by Professor David Kennedy, I would refer the Deputy to my replies in this House on 26 March, 1992 (Columns 1925-1932) and 26 May, 1992. As stated in my previous reply of 26 May, I have received the report which is being considered as a matter of urgency.