asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction which exists in County Carlow at the delay in proceeding with the hospitalisation scheme for the county, and if he will state what steps he proposes to take to have the matter settled in such a manner as will enable the county to obtain the benefits of the proposed hospitalisation scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carlow Hospitalisation Scheme.
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The responsibility for the delay rests with the board of health and public assistance. I had hoped that the board themselves would adopt a more reasonable attitude.
Everybody who has any experience of the position knows that the delay is with the board of health, but I should like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary what he is doing to ensure that the provision of an up-to-date hospital scheme for the county will be commenced without any further delay on the part of the board?
We have repeatedly requested the local authority to proceed with the erection of the county hospital in Carlow but so far they have refused unless they get a guarantee in advance that certain district hospitals will be provided subsequent to the provision of the county hospital. They are not going to get such a guarantee. The provision of a county hospital, fever hospital and county home is a matter of urgency. No definite undertaking can be given as to what further institutions will be provided.
The poor of the county are suffering seriously by the unwillingness of the board of health to discharge its obvious duty in this matter. Will the Parliamentary Secretary say what steps he proposes to take to compel the board to carry out what is its obvious duty, not merely morally but by statute?
Will the Deputy make any suggestions?
If I were sure that the Parliamentary Secretary would accept them. I made them to him already.