asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to close any hospitals in 1988; and, if so, if he will give details thereof.

29.

asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of all the hospitals it is proposed to close in 1988 because of shortages of funds.

68.

asked the Minister for Health if he foresees any further hospital closures in 1988.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 29 and 68 together.

I do not foresee any further closures of hospitals in 1988 beyond those already announced. As is already well known, the Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in Cork will close in the middle of the year with the transfer of the ophthalmology service to Cork Regional Hospital. It is also intended, if possible, to transfer the services now provided at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital to other general hospitals in Dublin and to the Midland Health Board area. Discussions are ongoing about the transfer of geriatric services from St. Mary's Geriatric Hospital, Drogheda to Drogheda Cottage Hospital.

Apart from these I do not intend to take any other initiatives during 1988 involving closures. Any proposals that health boards may make to me about hospital closures will be considered if they arise.

In view of the Minister's statement to this House on 1 December when he gave the same assurance to the House and, subsequently, within days announced the closure of Barrington's hospital, could he eleborate more fully on the present status of Comhairle na nOspidéal's report which recommended the closure of 15 hospitals? What is the present status of that report? How can the Minister reconcile his statement with that of the CEO of the South Eastern Health Board who has said that a number of hospitals in that region may have to close so that the board can keep within its budget.

As I have said, any proposals that health boards may make to me about hospital closures will be considered if they arise. It is not my intention to initiate the closure of any hospital.

You will not do it, but you will get them to do your dirty work.

Deputy Allen, I want to deal with Deputy Molloy's question, Deputy Howlin's question and indeed your own question before the prescribed time.

A final supplementary on Comhairle na nOspidéal.

Do not be unduly long, otherwise I shall not reach those questions.

The Minister has not answered the supplementary on the Comhairle na nOspidéal report which recommended a closure of a further 15 hospitals.

Comhairle na nOspidéal have been making reports for a number of years, and indeed I am told they go right back to the thirties. There are reports available recommending that one hospital or another should be closed. Comhairle na nOspidéal only make recommendations I assure the Deputy that what I have said is correct.