Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this issue on the Adjournment. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, and congratulate him on his reappointment.

I raise the issue of the proposed 14-bed extension to Schull Community Hospital. The hospital was opened in 1942 and serves the people of Schull, Ballydehob and Goleen. It has 21 beds for providing continuing care, including respite care, convalescent rehabilitation and terminal care services for the elderly. It provides care for the young chronically sick in the area. Physiotherapy, chiropody and hairdressing services are available to inpatients. Schull Health Centre is located in the hospital grounds and provides a dental clinic, GP services, community welfare officer services, public health nurse services and a psychiatric clinic.

Plans for the 14-bed extension have been known for some time. A draft design brief for the proposed development was recently prepared by a project team and submitted to the Department in conjunction with the Southern Health Board. This community hospital serves a densely populated area. It covers a large geographical area for which it provides an invaluable service. The current services available are being used to the optimum. Therefore, the 14-bed extension is crucial.

I do not intend to lecture the Minister on the benefits of the service. Coming from a rural constituency, he is well aware of the benefits of a community hospital. In the current economic climate significant funds are available to Departments. I appeal to the Minister's good nature to examine this case on its merits and the service the hospital provides. In the overall budgetary context, the amount needed would not be huge. I appeal to the Minister to look very favourably on this request.