Vol. 573 No. 3
434 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the public outcry in the Ballinasloe area of County Galway concerning the closure of the alcohol addiction unit at St. Bridget's Hospital, Ballinasloe; the reasons for such a closure; his views on whether such a unit is an integral part of the successful rehabilitation for some people affected with such addictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24846/03]
472 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he is taking to secure the future of the residential drug treatment unit at St. Bridget's Hospital, Ballinasloe; if his attention has been drawn to a report by the service which only 12 months ago recommended its retention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25299/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 472 together.
Responsibility for the provision of the services referred to by the Deputies rests with the Western Health Board. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputies and reply to them directly.
