Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 126: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a feasibility study has been carried out as to whether or not St. Bricin's Military Hospital will be used to help relieve pressure on the Mater Hospital; the outcome of such study; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15308/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The possibility of utilising facilities at St. Bricin's Hospital to ease the pressure on accident and emergency departments in Dublin, and in particular at the Mater Hospital, was examined by the Northern Area Health Board some years ago. At that time, the facility was found to be unsuitable as a consequence of the considerable capital investment that would be required. I recently asked that the facilities at St. Bricin's be further examined and I acknowledge the co-operation of my colleague, the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, in this regard.

Representatives from my Department, the eastern regional area of the HSE, and the Mater Hospital visited St. Bricin's recently to review the facilities and to consider the feasibility of the hospital being utilised for the provision of acute or sub-acute services. I understand that part of the infrastructure at St. Bricin's has been enhanced but that a significant level of investment would still be required to upgrade the hospital to the necessary standard.

A number of issues are now being considered by my Department in conjunction with the HSE. These include the level of capital investment needed and the timeframe within which the facility upgrade works could be completed. Other issues to be examined by the HSE include the type of service to be provided and any additional revenue requirements arising. My Department will be meeting with the HSE shortly to review the position.