asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the important part played by the county infirmary hospital at Navan in alleviating suffering and relieving overcrowding at the county hospital, and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that funds are needed to improve its facilities, and in view of the small share of Hospitals' Trust funds allocated to County Meath, he will make a grant to the hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grant for County Hospital at Navan.
I have had the position in regard to the Meath County Infirmary examined in my Department and I have written to the hospital authority in connection with the matter. I have explained the present position in regard to the Hospitals' Trust Fund and the difficulty in finding funds to finance projects not included under the approved hospital building programme. The problem generally is under consideration at present and I hope that I will be in a position to convey a definite decision to the hospital authority in the early future.