203 Deputy Thomas McEllistrim asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will provide the necessary funding to Kerry General Hospital in order that it can provide a proper orthopaedic service, that is, there must be immediate separation of the trauma and elective orthopaedic services both in terms of ward accommodation and theatre lists into defined trauma and elective services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5943/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue 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 directly to the Deputy.