Vol. 510 No. 5
41 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that the facility at St. Michael's hospital, Dún Laoghaire, is retained for health care purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22855/99]
The Eastern Health Board has statutory responsibility for the provision of public health services in the eastern region. Discussions between the Eastern Health Board, St. Michael's Public Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park were held to determine any future possible use to be made of St. Michael's Private Hospital which closed in recent months. Discussions have also been held with the congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, who are the owners of the vacated facility. In the light of these discussions, a joint proposal has been submitted to my Department for consideration. The proposal, in summary form, identifies options for the further development of services in the south east Dublin region and will now be the subject of further discussion with interested parties as a matter of priority.
