Accident and Emergency Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004

Tuesday, 27 January 2004

Ceisteanna (63)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

177 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the future role of the accident and emergency facilities in Ballinasloe and Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1782/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the conclusions of the report of the national task force on medical staffing, the Hanly report. Today I announced the composition of an acute hospitals review group to prepare a national hospitals plan for the interim health services executive in line with the principles identified in the Hanly report.

The review group will be asked to examine the role and structure of acute hospital services so that it can provide the best possible service for patients as we implement the European working time directive and introduce a consultant-provided service. The hospitals referred to by the Deputy will be examined in this context.