Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 204: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on progressing the development and construction of the urgently needed new maternity unit at Kerry General Hospital. [11783/05]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 205: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will address the ongoing shortage of medical staff in the maternity unit at Kerry General Hospital; if she will rectify the situation. [11784/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of services at Kerry General Hospital. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's southern area to reply to the Deputy directly on the issue.