asked the Minister for Health if an inquiry will be held into the circumstances relating to the discharge of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry from the Regional Hospital, Cork, on 10 February 1989 in view of the fact that on 8 February 1989 he was considered to be in need of an urgent orthopaedic operation.

Responsibility for the treatment of an individual patient in hospital is primarily a matter for the person's consultant and the hospital authority, in this instance the Southern Health Board. I understand treatment is continuing and I suggest that the Deputy pursue his inquiries with the Southern Health Board.