Vol. 526 No. 6
252 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the meals that are being served in hospitals here; if a dietician has advised the hospitals as to the meal content; his views on whether this is the correct food diet for people who are ill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27307/00]
I am confident that the overall standard of food in Irish hospitals is satisfactory and that the issue of food standards in public hospitals is taken very seriously by hospital management. Both hospital management and staff exercise extreme vigilance and strive to maintain a high standard of food quality in their hospitals. Hospitals employ appropriately qualified and trained catering staff who are responsible for all meals provided. The major capital developments which have taken place in recent years on the design and re-development of many public hospitals have included modifications to kitchen and catering facilities which have been up-graded to the highest specifications. Where necessary, special nutrition and dietary requirements for patients are arranged by nutritionists and-or dieticians employed in hospitals who work in consultation with medical and nursing staff.
253 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for a tonsillectomy. [27308/00]
The provision of medical services to eligible persons in County Mayo is, in this instance, the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this case and reply to the Deputy directly.
