Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Ulick Burke

Ceist:

483 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has in consultation with the existing management and owners of Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, for the smooth change of ownership to the Western Health Board; if the plans in existence for its expansion and upgrading will be approved in this agreed settlement; if funding will be provided for the running costs of the cat-scan provide by local contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21938/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I understand that discussions between the Western Health Board and Portiuncula Hospital in relation to the future ownership of Portiuncula Hospital are at a very initial stage. Funding has already been provided to Portiuncula Hospital in the current year to meet the running costs of the new CT scanning service at the hospital. In relation to the capital development there, construction work has already commenced on site.