91 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to the Friends of the Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo, in respect of its request for additional nursing staff and orderlies to bring the staffing ratios up to an acceptable level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23423/96]

Limerick East): The Western Health Board is responsible for the management of services and deployment of staff at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, County Mayo. Any increase in staffing levels must be considered in the context of the level of resources available and the Western Health Board's priorities for the development of services.

Development funds were allocated to the Western Health Board in 1995 for four non-nursing staff at the Sacred Heart Hospital. Two further nursing posts were approved by the board by way of internal redevelopment.