asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that the contractors engaged on the erection of the regional sanatorium, Merlin Park, Galway, and the extension to Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, have decided to install concrete window sills instead of cut stone, thus depriving a number of craftsmen of their means of livelihood; and, if so, whether, in view of the employment that would be given and of the artistry and durability of cut stone as compared with concrete, he will take steps to ensure that stone will be used in the window sills of both hospitals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Cut Stone in Galway Hospitals.
I have no responsibility for the type of materials used in the building of the extension to Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, other than that I have made it a condition to the making of a grant from the Hospitals Trust Fund that as far as possible materials of Irish manufacture should be used.
As regards the regional sanatorium at Merlin Park, Galway, which is being built under my direction, the contractor is carrying out the work in accordance with the plans and specification which I have approved. The use of concrete window sills is in accordance with the specification. While I understand and sympathise with the Deputy's views, I am advised that the use of cut stone window sills instead of concrete would entail additional expenditure on this project. As the Deputy may be aware, the cost of this sanatorium will be of the order of £1,250,000. He will appreciate my responsibility to see that the funds at my disposal are used to the best advantage to provide satisfactory accommodation for the patients. The welfare of the patients would in no way be affected by the substitution of cut stone for concrete window sills and I would, accordingly, not feel justified in incurring the extra cost.
Is the Minister aware that the extra cost of providing cut stone window sills and giving employment to craftsmen who are now half employed would not be heavy and that such a policy would be much more economical than a penny wise and pound foolish policy?
As I say, I have the greatest sympathy with the Deputy's views on this matter, but, in relation to such a vast project as that which we are undertaking in Galway, it is very necessary that we use the amount of money at our disposal to the very best advantage from the point of view of the health services. As to the extra cost, I understand from the figures given to me that the difference between the cost of concrete and cut stone window sills would be about £20,000.