159 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients at St. Bridget’s Hospital, Ballinasloe; if the number of patients has been cut back in recent years; if staffing levels have been cutback; her plans for the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13224/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding of all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive is, therefore, the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.