Billy Timmins
Ceist:293 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to develop the medical facilities in Arklow, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27123/99]
Written Answers. - Community Care.
The provision of medical facilities in Arklow is, in the first instance, the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Health Board. I have been advised by the Eastern Health Board that Arklow has a modern health centre where a wide range of medical-nursing-paramedical services are provided and that these services are comparable to those provided in other similar sized towns in the board's area. During the current year the board established an ambulance base in Arklow town.
In 1998 the Eastern Health Board produced a strategy for the provision of a range of new health centres throughout its area. However, the extension of the Arklow clinic would not be an immediate priority for the board.