Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

45 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if many state of the art operating theatres in some of the most modern hospitals are lying idle while over 34,000 people wait for treatment as recently reported in a newspaper (details supplied); if so, the reason in this regard; and his views on whether this situation is acceptable, in particular to those who are waiting for treatment and their relatives. [5140/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The newspaper article referred to by the Deputy was published in September 1999, and referred to operating theatres which were not open in Limerick regional hospital and Tallaght hospital.

It is normal practice that when new units are completed under major developments such as have taken place in these hospitals recently, they are normally commissioned on a phased basis as the additional revenue funding required becomes available. This year my Department provided £4.15 million to the Mid-Western Health Board in respect of the commissioning of new units, including the theatres, which were completed under phases I and II of the redevelopment of Limerick regional hospital. In relation to Tallaght hospital my Department provided £2.718 million this year to meet the commissioning costs arising from service developments in a number of areas at the hospital, also including the theatres.

My Department is currently involved in discussions with the management of both the Mid-Western Health Board and Tallaght hospital to agree a programme of commissioning which will maximise the impact of the available funding.