Vol. 518 No. 4
180 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed about the future of the County Hospital, Bantry; his views on its importance to the west Cork area and the need to retain and develop its facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12001/00]
The provision of hospital services at Bantry General Hospital is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Southern Health Board. I fully recog nise the important role of Bantry General Hospital in providing hospital services for the people of west Cork and I am committed to working with the Southern Health Board to build on the strengths of the hospital in meeting the needs of the local population. The Southern Health Board has carried out a needs assessment of the hospital catchment area and I will continue to address the priorities for further development of the hospital arising from this exercise. I am confident that this process of development will further enhance the important role which Bantry General Hospital plays in the provision of health care for people in the west Cork area.
