149 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in County Louth will have vital heart surgery carried out at the Children's Hospital in Crumlin, Dublin 12; his views on whether the lack of sufficient staff in the intensive care unit is causing delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21585/96]

Limerick East): I have had inquiries made of the hospital authorities and understand that the patient in question was seen by the consultant on 21 October 1996 and her parents were advised that surgery would be scheduled for spring of 1997. The Deputy will wish to know that the scheduling of the child's operation is based on clinical criteria and it will represent the completion of her treatment.

In relation to staffing levels in the ICU, I have received proposals from the hospital in relation to the ICU and a number of other services issues. Officials of my Department are in consultation with the hospital management on these issues and they are being considered in the context of competing priorities for available resources.