asked the Minister for Health if he is in a position to indicate when it is proposed to commence the building of the proposed regional sanatorium at Sarsfield's Court, Cork; what are the reasons for the delay in commencing work; and if the grazing of these grounds has now been let as from December 1st, 1948.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Regional Sanatorium.
It is hoped to commence work on site development in the new year.
In order to speed up the ultimate provision of beds for tuberculous patients throughout the country it was decided to proceed with a sub-regional sanatorium at Ardkeen, Waterford, to contain 250 beds and a separate children's sanatorium at Dublin in addition to the Dublin, Cork and Galway regional sanatoria. This decision has necessitated an alteration in the bed compliments in the Sarsfield's Court scheme, the planning of which has had to await final decision of the Ardkeen and Dublin projects. The planning of all regional and sub-regional sanatoria projects must necessarily be co-ordinated and is being actively pursued in my Department.
Portion of the lands acquired have been let for grazing for a period of six months commencing on 1st December, 1948, but this letting is subject to termination on one month's notice by me.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, the Minister for Health made a statement on the 8th of April in Cork with regard to the new regional sanatorium for Cork for which a site had been acquired at Sarsfield's Court. The statement was as follows:—
"I was asked shortly after my coming into office to sign a document relating to a letting to enable cattle and sheep to be grazed on the site. That is an example of the rate of progress of the last Government."
Will the Minister tell me the reason for the change of policy now after ten months in office? The Government is now contemplating letting or has let this ground for grazing for cattle and sheep when, at the time the Minister was speaking, the Minister for Agriculture was sending for experts to Australia to show us how to grow grass.
It would appear that the change of policy is that where previously sheep were allowed to graze for 16 years they will now be allowed to graze only for six months.
Arising out of that reply, it took the Minister ten months in office to find out how to let a place for grazing.(Interruptions.)
Order, please.