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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Accommodation.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

489 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the new acute psychiatric unit at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, will be commissioned and opened without delay; the reason the South-Eastern Health Board is considering other options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21621/01]

Construction of the new psychiatric unit at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, is still continuing and the equipping of the unit has yet to commence. A meeting between officials of my Department and the South-Eastern Health Board was held to discuss a proposal from the health board regarding the possible temporary use of part of the psychiatric unit to facilitate an upgrading to part of St. Luke's Hospital. It was agreed at the meeting that the health board would examine other options available to them and revert back to my Department in due course.

I am most anxious that the new psychiatric unit would be opened as soon as possible.

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