202 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that short-term wards operate at full capacity and ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 has an operation shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6024/00]

The course of treatment and the scheduling of patient appointments is a matter for the hospital authorities in the first instance, based on a clinical assessment of need. I have asked the chief executive officer of Beaumont Hospital to investigate the position regarding this patient. Given the particular circumstances of this case, I have requested that he reply to the Deputy directly as a matter of urgency.

203 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will approach Beaumont Hospital to ensure that no delay occurs in further treatment of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6025/00]

The course of treatment and the scheduling of patient appointments is a matter for the hospital authorities in the first instance, based on a clinical assessment of need. I have asked the chief executive officer of Beaumont Hospital to investigate the position regarding this patient. Given the particular circumstances of this case, I have requested that he reply to the Deputy directly as a matter of urgency.