asked the Minister for Health if he will state (a) the present position regarding the hospitalisation scheme for Donegal; and (b) whether the plans for the new major hospital at Letterkenny have been approved; and, if so, whether the sanction has been conveyed to the Donegal County Council.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospitalisation Scheme for County Donegal.
Mr. Blaney
Approval has been given for the provision of a county hospital at Letterkenny and district hospitals at Donegal, Carndonagh and at a suitable centre in the north-west of the county. It is also proposed to improve the fever accommodation in the county. In the case of Letterkenny the plans prepared pre-war will need to be revised to take account of the latest developments in hospital construction and pending the appointment of an architect and the preparation of revised plans I am not in a position to convey sanction to the Donegal County Council.
The whole question of the building of new hospitals is being reviewed at present in the light of the financial position and the ability of the building industry to undertake a large amount of hospital building in addition to housing and other work. I hope as a result of this review to be able to decide on a number of projects which will be pushed ahead for early completion. The claims of County Donegal for inclusion in this list of urgent works will be fully considered.
Mr. Blaney
Can the Minister state if the matter will be considered immediately in connection with the major hospital for Donegal, a project which was approved of by his predecessor in 1938 or 1939? Will he take into consideration the appointment of an architect so that plans and specifications may be drawn up and put into the hands of the county council as soon as possible?
This question of hospitalisation for County Donegal has been under consideration since 1932, as a matter of fact. The Deputy mentioned 1938. The question of the appointment of architects, particularly in regard to Letterkenny County Hospital, is under consideration at the moment. Until these architects are appointed, we cannot go ahead with the building of the Letterkenny County Hospital.
Mr. Blaney
But the architects who were appointed by the Donegal Board of Health were approved of by the Minister subject to the appointment of a consulting engineer, also approved of by the Minister. Plans were submitted by this combination and the Donegal County Council can do nothing further in the matter of this hospital until you indicate to that body your intention of disapproving of these architects and consulting engineer.
I do not know whether the Deputy's question is in regard to hospitalisation in Donegal generally.
Mr. Blaney
I am referring to the major hospital for Donegal in Letterkenny.
The question of the appointment of a firm of architects is bound up with the settlement of new conditions.
Mr. Blaney
The Minister will take steps to expedite the matter?
I shall.