Vol. 545 No. 5
55 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposal by the North-Eastern Health Board to provide additional facilities and services at Cavan General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30939/01]
The North-Eastern Health Board is responsible for the provision of acute hospital services in its functional area. I have, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to furnish the Deputy directly with the information which he requires regarding any proposal which the board might have for the provision of additional facilities and services at Cavan General Hospital
I might add that, at the board's request, I was pleased to provide additional funding of £425,000 or 540,000 in the current year for a number of projects including 18 convalescent beds at Cavan General Hospital. This additional funding has been of significant benefit to the board in relieving identified service pressures on its acute hospital system. My Department is in discussion with the board regarding any additional funding required in 2002 to support this initiative.
