409 Mr. Doherty asked the Minister for Health and Children when moneys will be allocated to fund the staffing appointments at the North West Hospice, Sligo. [8690/98]

I am advised by the North-Western Health Board that a funding package for 1998 has been agreed with the North West Hospice as part of their service agreement with the board. I understand that, in accordance with the service agreement, payments from the board will commence as soon as the unit is commissioned by the North West Hospice.