asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state if an immediate start will be made on the building of the two hospitals in Cavan.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Accommodation in Cavan.
I am not in a position to state when building will commence.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that he told me about 12 months ago that the plans were practically finished and promised that building would be started in a short time? Is he aware that land has been taken for these buildings for a considerable time, that rent is being paid for it, and will he state what the cause of the delay is?
I do not distinctly recollect what I told the Deputy almost a year ago, but I can assure him that there has been no avoidable delay. The Deputy must be aware that we had considerable difficulty regarding sites in County Cavan for the institutions proposed, particularly the county hospital. These difficulties have now been surmounted, but I had better not make a promise because 12 months hence the the Deputy might try to hold me to it.
Are the plans the cause of the delay?
The planning of an institution such as a county hospital certainly takes a great deal of time. So far as the county hospital is concerned, we have got only so far as the sketch plans. It will be a considerable time before work can be commenced on the county hospital. We are well advanced in respect of detailed plans for the tuberculosis institution, but I cannot say when we shall be able to commence building operations.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary not give an estimate of the time it will take? This has been going on for years. A lot of unemployed men are waiting for this work and it is extraordinary that there should be such delay.
It would not be a bit extraordinary if the Deputy would realise and appreciate the difficulties.