Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004
319 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Question No. 408 of 24 February 2004, the full complement of beds now in use in the Maynooth community care unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10765/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in the Kildare area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the South Western Area Health Board acting under the aegis of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has been advised by the chief executive of the authority that the current position is that 30 beds are in use. This reduction in bed availability arose because of a shortage of appropriate trained staff. Efforts are ongoing to replace staff who have recently left and to recruit the necessary additional staff to enable the unit to become fully operational. Further staff interviews are taking place this week.
