asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state (1) whether the hospital scheme approved by him for the South Riding of County Tipperary is based on the report of an inspector of his Department in so far as the establishment of a county hospital at Cashel is concerned; (2) why the inspector's report on the hospitals of South Tipperary has not been communicated to the board of health in accordance with the usual custom; (3) whether he is aware that for many years past the major part of the surgical work of the South Riding has been done in the hospital at Tipperary with convenience to the public; and (4) whether he will ensure that the utility of this hospital will not be interfered with by any scheme he has sanctioned or may sanction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Scheme for South Tipperary.
It is not the practice to publish reports of this kind, which are confidential to the Minister. I am aware that a considerable amount of surgical work has been done in the District Hospital, Tipperary. It should be noted, however, that in formulating a scheme of hospital services the paramount consideration must be the interests of the administrative area concerned as a whole. The institution in Tipperary will continue to provide the normal services of a district hospital.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary going to put up a hospital in Cashel?
I cannot answer that question at the moment.