Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am dealing with this matter on behalf of my colleague the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, who is fully aware and appreciative of the services Roscommon County Hospital provides for the population in its catchment area. Throughout the years the hospital has served the community well in areas such as surgery, medicine, geriatric assessment and psychiatry, as well as providing casualty and outpatient services. Its budget has increased to almost €13 million this year which is more than a doubling of the allocation since 1997. This has enabled it to provide a high level of service.