Vol. 496 No. 7
160 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Western Health Board has submitted an application for funding for the Westport psychiatric day care centre; if a site has been identified; if so, the location; if negotiations for the purchase of the site are ongoing; and the progress, if any, made in this regard. [24108/98]
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of health services, including mental health services, in County Mayo is the responsibility of the Western Health Board. I have not as yet received any proposals for funding for a day care centre from the Western Health Board. I have been informed, however, that the provision of new day care facilities at Westport is a high priority for the board and is included in the board's 1998 Service Plan.
The board has indicated that a suitable site has not yet been identified. However, it is actively engaged in seeking such a site and is currently exploring a number of options. As previously indicated, funding arrangements in respect of the provision of a new building or purchase and adaptation costs of a suitable premises have not been finalised by the board.
