Vol. 567 No. 1
299 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a decision on the development of a neurosurgical unit in the west has been delayed; if, in view of a pending donation of $4 million, the development will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13386/03]
As the Deputy is aware, I have asked Comhairle na nOspidéal to carry out a review of neurosurgical services and to prepare a report for my consideration. Comhairle has been asked to focus, in particular, on the provision of adequate capacity and consideration of equity of access to neurosurgical services having regard to best practice in the provision of quality health care. I understand the work of the Comhairle committee on neuros urgical services is ongoing. Decisions on the further organisation of neurosurgical services will be informed by the Comhairle report. In that regard, representatives of the western neurosurgery campaign, associated with the very generous offer of $4 million, met the Comhairle committee to put their case for neurosurgical services to be located in the west.
