Vol. 569 No. 3
119 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the Bonner inquiry into Monaghan General Hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Monaghan General Hospital at this date will be 50 weeks off call and with the cutback in services being provided by the Dublin based hospitals, the theatre and other services in Monaghan General Hospital are more vital than ever; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17357/03]
The Deputy will be aware that I appointed Mr. Kevin Bonner, management consultant and former Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise and Employment, to recommend an appropriate management structure for Monaghan hospital and assist the North-Eastern Health Board in implementing the structure. He is also working with the board to facilitate the resolution of outstanding issues pertaining to the provision of services at Monaghan hospital, with particular references to emergencies. It is anticipated that Mr. Bonner's report will be finalised shortly.
Responsibility for the provision of services at Monaghan General Hospital rests with the North Eastern Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the service issue raised.
