asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that, at a recent meeting of the Leitrim County Council, the architect informed the council that it would take five years to start work on the new hospital at Manorhamilton; if this statement reflects his considered opinion in respect of the urgency of this work; and whether in order to allay the anxiety of the people of Leitrim, who incur great hardship and expense in sending patients to Dublin and elsewhere for treatment, he will now state when this work will be put in hands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Manorhamilton Hospital.
asked the Minister for Health whether, in view of conditions at Manorhamilton County Hospital, and arising from his recent visit there, he will take steps to have the work on the new buildings put in hands as soon as possible.
I propose, with your permission, a Chinn Comhairle, to take questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
Beyond what is stated in the first question, I have no information as to any statement made at a recent meeting of the Leitrim County Council in connection with the new hospital at Manorhamilton by the architect.
My views on the urgency of the matter were conveyed at a conference in my Department on 1st instant to the chairman of the Leitrim County Council, the Leitrim County Manager, the architect for the hospital and other officials. It was intimated that I regarded the project as a first priority on the hospital building programme.
At the conference, the precise position in which the hospital should be built on the site was agreed and the county manager was urged to submit as soon as possible an estimate of the allin cost and a comprehensive report. When the detailed proposals are submitted, they will be dealt with as matters of urgency.
Is the Minister aware that the question of the erection of this hospital in Manorhamilton has been under consideration for the last 16 years and that from time to time the Leitrim County Council made representations to the Minister for Local Government? I assume now that the Minister for Health is responsible in regard to the erection of this hospital. Is he aware that sick persons are unable to go there owing to the dilapidated condition of the hospital? The plaster is falling down and windows have been blown in on several occasions. Will the people of Leitrim have to wait another 16 years for this new hospital?
Not if they can get their architect to go ahead. The sooner he does so the better.
They are 16 years at it.
Perhaps they are.