Hospital Accommodation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2005

Tuesday, 18 October 2005

Ceisteanna (82, 83)

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

140 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the 30 beds in Hume Street Hospital that will not be replaced when the hospital closes; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that those 30 beds are in constant use and that there is a 17 month waiting list; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that bookings are still being taken in view of the forthcoming closure of the facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28813/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

141 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposal that St. Bricin’s Military Hospital will be used to help relieve pressure on the Mater Hospital; if this proposal will be feasible in view of the estimated cost of up to €25 million for the refurbishment of St. Bricin’s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28793/05]

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

Representatives from my Department and the Health Service Executive made a number of site visits to St. Bricin's Military Hospital to review the facilities and to consider the feasibility of the hospital being utilised for public health purposes. Following detailed consideration, the view was that St. Bricin's was not suitable for use as an acute or sub-acute facility. I visited the hospital myself last July and I agree that it is unsuitable for this purpose.