Vol. 473 No. 5
93 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Health if he intends to grant approval for a new maternity hospital in the city of Cork to be located on the grounds of the Cork University Hospital as agreed by the local interests involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1954/97]
Limerick East): I have stated publicly on many previous occasions that I am committed to putting the resources in place to support the development of enhanced maternity services in Cork. I am happy to say that during 1996 the agencies in Cork reached a consensus about the amalgamation of maternity services on the Cork University Hospital site.
Once agreement has been reached, I immediately gave the go-ahead to the establishment of a project team, representing medical, nursing, managerial and Department of Health interests. Work is well advanced on the development of a brief for the new obstetric service. I expect that the brief will be finalised during 1997 and this will form the basis for the development of the amalgamated maternity unit on the grounds of Cork University Hospital.
