Róisín Shortall
Ceist:334 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing crisis for the young chronic sick within the Eastern Regional Health Authority area; the action taken by his Department since June 1997 to address the acute shortage of long-term places; the reason for the shortfall of places; the plans he has to meet this shortfall; if he has had any recent discussions with the Eastern Regional Health Authority or any of the regional health boards so that provision may be made in their 2001 service plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23188/00]