Vol. 550 No. 4
336 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will examine a submission (details supplied) from Doneraile ICA, County Cork, concerning the need for a community health centre for the Doneraile area; if he will liaise with the Southern Health Board to ensure that this project is advanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8422/02]
The provision of health centres, including the prioritisation, planning and development of such centres to meet the needs of local communities within its functional area, is a matter for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority. In the case of Doneraile, this responsibility rests with the Southern Health Board. I have been advised by that health board that a new health centre for Doneraile has not been included in its priorities for capital developments under the national development plan. However, the health board has advised me that many of the services to which the Deputy's question refers are currently being provided or developed within the area and that many of these would not be dependent on a new health centre. The Southern Health Board has further advised me that it is currently holding discussions with the ICA regarding its submission and how the issues raised therein may be addressed in line with the health board's strategy, Ageing with Confidence, and other relevant strategies.
337 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be provided to make a second ambulance available for the Fermoy-Mitchelstown area of County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to the correspondence (details supplied), in which the present inadequate ambulance service is outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8423/02]
Responsibility for the provision of ambulance services in County Cork rests with the Southern Health Board. Therefore, my Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
