Seamus Kirk
Ceist:168 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the future position in relation to Louth County Hospital in view of recent reports. [1003/96]
Written Answers. - Louth County Hospital.
Limerick East): As I have stated publicly on a number of previous occasions, I have no proposals to downgrade or close any hospitals. I would like to assure the Deputy that my policy on this remains unchanged.
Louth County Hospital forms part of the Louth-Meath hospital group which was recently established by the North-Eastern Health Board, as part of its strategy to develop acute hospital services within its region. As evidence of my commitment to the board's policy in this regard, substantial funds have been made available by my Department for the Louth-Meath group to facilitate the development of anaesthetic, paediatric, neonatology and geriatric services. Last year, I approved six consultant posts in these specialities and I understand they will all be in post shortly.
The Deputy may be aware that I also recently approved a £1 million capital development for Louth County Hospital aimed at providing the necessary infrastructural support for the new consultant posts. This substantial capital investment will facilitate the hospital to continue to play a pivotal role within the region and is further evidence of my commitment to that aim.