asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate when sanction may be expected for (a) the purchase of Dungarvan Dispensary; (b) improvements to Waterford County Hospital; (c) improvements to Dungarvan County Home and County Hospital, and (d) the erection of Dungarvan Maternity Hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford Hospitalisation.
(a) I have informed the local authority that I am not prepared to sanction the acquisition of the premises at O'Connell Street, Dungarvan, proposed by them for use as a dispensary and dispensary medical officer's residence, (b) proposals made by the local authority for improvements to Waterford County Hospital have been examined in my Department and I hope to be in a position to furnish my observations on the proposals to the local authority within the next week, (c) further consideration of the question of improving the kitchen equipment, food distribution and heating at the County Home, Dungarvan, cannot be proceeded with in my Department pending the receipt of the report of the consulting engineer which has already been requested from the local authority, (d) the proposals submitted by the local authority in regard to the provision of maternity accommodation at the Dungarvan District Hospital are being considered in relation to the total requirements in County Waterford for accommodation of this kind. I will have the matter expedited as far as possible.