asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state (1) what is the cause of the delay in proceeding with the building of a county hospital in Longford; (2) if he is aware that the board of health have purchased a suitable site, and that so far sanction has not been granted; (3) if he is aware that the price agreed upon between the Church Body of the Church of Ireland and the board of health is, in all the circumstances, a reasonable one; and, further, if he is aware of the fact that grave hardship is being imposed on the people who require surgical treatment by the continued delay of the Department in dealing with the matter, and the refusal to expedite the building of the hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Accommodation in Longford.
As regards the first part of the question the delay is due to the difficulty experienced in getting a suitable site at a reasonable price.
As regards the second and third parts, a site has not been purchased. The board have no power to make such a purchase without the approval of the Minister. They have made an offer for the acquisition of certain property which is considered to be excessive and cannot be approved.
As regards the concluding portion of the question, I am aware that the existing hospital arrangements are not suitable. I do not agree that there is undue delay on the part of my Department in dealing with the matter. The Minister must be satisfied that the proposals of the board of health are reasonable.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are other suitable sites, and will he say what are the reasons why sanction to them has been refused?
No site has been under consideration that reaches all the requirements that are desired.
Is such a site as the Parliamentary Secretary speaks of available in any county in Ireland?