I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 153 together.
The provision of medical services to eligible persons is, in this instance, the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. I understand from the board that there was an average of six to seven patients each day in the accident and emergency department of the County Hospital, Roscommon, awaiting in-patient accommodation over the past three months. These patients were accommodated on beds in the annex adjacent to the accident and emergency department. During this period there were peaks in activity when 15 to 16 patients were in the accident and emergency department awaiting in-patient accommodation.