Robert Molloy
Ceist:30 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Health the reason funds were not made available to enable Galway Hospice to open to receive patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24512/96]
Written Answers. - Galway Hospice Funding.
Limerick East): The Deputy will be aware that the question of providing funds for the Galway Hospice is a matter for discussion in the first instance between the Hospice Foundation and the Western Health Board. These discussions have been taking place with a view to seeking agreement regarding the required level of funding for the hospice.
It is incorrect to suggest that I have failed to make funds available to enable the Galway Hospice to open, as I have already allocated a sum of £100,000 to the Western Health Board to enable negotiation with the Hospice Foundation to proceed. My Department will be meeting representatives of the health board later this week to receive a detailed progress report on the board's negotiations with the foundation. Any funding proposal which may be proposed by the health board will be given sympathetic consideration by me, in the light of the national cancer strategy and having regard to the availability of resources.