108 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that there are adequate hospital facilities on the east coast between Wexford General Hospital and Loughlinstown Hospital, County Dublin, and that the very large and expanding population in south Wicklow and north Wexford and Carlow is being adequately serviced in terms of such hospital facilities; if he will conduct a review between his Department and the two respective health boards involved to see if there may be provision for a future hospital development to meet this growing area based need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2808/01]

The provision of hospital services on the east coast between Wexford General Hospital and Loughlinstown Hospital, County Dublin is a matter for the relevant health authorities for the region – the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the South Eastern Health Board.

As the Deputy may be aware, I have initiated a national review of bed capacity in both the acute and non-acute sectors. This review is in line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The review is being conducted by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance and in consultation with the social partners.