Vol. 522 No. 3
33 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children his understanding of the proposal to use St. Bricins Military Hospital, Dublin 7 for the accommodation and treatment of civilian patients; the progress since the proposal was first considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18353/00]
Collaborative discussions between officials at my Department and the Department of Defence concerning the possible use of St. Bricin's Military Hospital, Dublin, for accommodation and treat ment of civilian patients have taken place during the past year. The Deputy will be aware that since its establishment on 1 March 2000, the Eastern Regional Health Authority assumed statutory responsibility for the provision of health and social services for the 1.4 million persons in its catchment area of Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
On 6 June 2000, the regional chief executive of the ERHA wrote to my Department expressing the authority's interest in the future of St. Bricin's Military Hospital as a health care facility for civilian use. My officials have brought this position to the attention of the Department of Defence and conveyed full support for the potential use indicated.
Discussions between the relevant parties are ongoing to ensure the optimum use of this facility.
