asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the amount of money allocated from the Sweepstakes Fund at present at his disposal, and if he will indicate his proposals regarding the ultimate disposal of the sum involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sweepstakes Fund.
The amount of money in the Hospitals Trust Fund at present is approximately £8,500,000. A sum of at least £3,500,000 will be required for endowment of voluntary hospitals. This amount may have to be increased if the upward trend of deficits in the accounts of voluntary hospitals cannot be checked. About £1,000,000 is required for the completion of works in progress, including voluntary hospitals and local authority institutions. The balance is ear-marked for new voluntary hospitals in Dublin and for the provision of institutions in counties where the need is most urgent.