Vol. 566 No. 3
325 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if consideration is being given to the provision of maternity services at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the demand in a catchment area which has such a young population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12686/03]
Responsibility for the funding of services at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
326 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children his Department's position regarding the Medical Manpower Forum's recommendation that half the maternity units in the State, including those in Ballinasloe, Castlebar, Clonmel, Kilkenny, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Tralee and Wexford be closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12701/03]
The report of the national task force on medical staffing is being finalised at present. When it comes to hand I will consider its recommendations and bring proposals to Government in the normal way. I understand that the task force's report will not be recommending the closure of any acute hospitals and will not make specific recommendations regarding the hospitals to which the deputy refers.
