Vol. 496 No. 7
161 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding will be made available to open a palliative care unit in a hospital (details supplied) in County Roscommon in view of the fact that this vital service is urgently needed in the area; and the funding for allocation to his project for 1999. [24109/98]
As the Deputy may be aware, the provision of hospice services in County Roscommon is a matter for the Western Health Board.
I am aware that a new palliative care facility was provided at the County Hospital. Roscommon as part of the recently completed contract for the extension and up-grading of the hospital's surgical ward. A submission regarding the funding for this new unit has been received in my Department. The issue of funding for this service will be considered in the context of the availability of resources in 1999.
