asked the Minister for Health if he intends to provide a maternity unit at James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, County Dublin; and, if so, when.

7.

asked the Minister for Health if he intends to provide an accident unit in the new general hospital being provided at James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, County Dublin; and, if so, when.

8.

asked the Minister for Health if he will outline in detail the proposals for development of the James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, County Dublin; the stage which the proposals are at at present; and when they are expected to be completed.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 7 and 8 together.

It is envisaged that an accident and trauma unit will be provided at James Connolly Memorial Hospital. The question of the provision of a maternity unit at the hospital has to be considered in conjunction with the overall need for maternity beds in Dublin. It is difficult at this stage to estimate this need with accuracy in view of the fluctuation in birth trends in Dublin in recent years and the absence of up-to-date demographic data. The birth figures are being closely monitored but until a definite trend emerges it will not be possible to decide on future maternity bed requirements and where these should be provided.

I propose that my Department will shortly initiate discussions with the board of the James Connolly Memorial Hospital regarding the future development of the hospital including the number of beds and the services and specialties to be provided at the hospital. The position regarding the provision of a maternity unit and an accident unit will also be further considered during these discussions.

Is the Minister aware that the area in which this hospital is being developed is one which will shortly be as large as the city of Cork? In view of that will he not accept, arising from his statement last week that the provision of maternity services is one of the first line services, that for this to be a full general hospital there is a great need for a maternity unit to be based there?

It is not a situation for which there is a simple answer. It all depends on the services provided in other hospitals, and the extent to which they are used and, therefore, the need which will or will not arise in Blanchardstown.

Is the Minister aware that in the north of the city the Rotunda Maternity Hospital is experiencing great difficulty through overcrowding? They have had to transfer patients to the annex on the Whitworth Road within hours of delivery because of the demand for beds and overcrowding. Would the Minister not agree, therefore, that there is a real need for a new maternity unit to be attached to one of the Dublin hospitals to cater for the increased need?

As I stated, the matter is a complex one and is under examination and consideration. The growth of population, the level of births and a lot of services provided in other hospitals all have to be taken into account in the equation.

How soon will the review be completed?

In relation to Question No. 7, will the Minister accept that because of the high number of industrial units operating in that area there is also an increased need for an accident unit to be provided in the new town?

That is almost certain.

Can the Minister give any indication as to when the accident unit might be made available?

Not precisely, but the Deputy can take it that the decision in principle will be for the provision of an accident trauma unit in James Connolly.

Perhaps the Minister will have consultation with his colleague in relation to the other matters.

Question No. 9.

9.

asked the Minister for Health if the new 72-bed unit at St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane, County Dublin, has been put into operation.

This new unit has not yet been put into operation. Negotiations are at present in progress with the unions representing the psychiatric nurses at the hospital regarding the proposed staffing arrangements for the unit.

How long is it since the unit was built?

It was handed over finally in July of this year.

Is the Minister aware that this unit was originally scheduled for opening in October of last year? Is the Minister further aware that he undertook in this House some eight or nine months ago to do all in his power to see that the unit would be opened in the near future? Would the Minister give us any indication as to when this unhappy dispute will be brought to an end?

There are fairly recent developments which look hopeful. As the Deputy probably knows as well as I, intensive discussions have been going on for some considerable time between the management and the unions concerned. Unfortunately so far there has been no solution but every effort which can be made by my Department is being made to bring about a satisfactory solution.

Question No. 10.

Will the Minister accept that these discussions have been going on for 18 months?

I know that. Unfortunately that is the situation. Different units are involved and as the Deputy knows——

There are two.

——negotiations with the trade unions in these matters are complex and difficult and there is no way I can force a conclusion.

But the Minister is the responsible Minister.

Question No. 10.