asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that it is now impossible to secure accommodation in any sanatorium for either males or females in Dublin or in any part of Leinster; and, if so, whether he will state what are his proposals to give immediate relief to sufferers and to ease the pressure for accommodation on existing institutions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sanatorium Accommodation.
Mr. A. Byrne
I am aware that now, as in the past, there is delay in securing admission to sanatoria in Leinster, including Dublin. I informed the Deputy in reply to similar questions on 15th April of certain steps which had been taken to provide additional bed accommodation. Further substantial progress has been made and the matter is being treated as one of very high priority. The Deputy, I am sure, will appreciate, however, that it would be an act of cruelty to the many persons on waiting lists for institutional treatment if I were to make a premature announcement now that adequate treatment will be available for them by a particular date. Accordingly, I would prefer to defer the announcement for a further limited period.