asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that Birr Urban District Council at their November meeting unanimously decided to make representations to the Offaly County Council, calling on that body to give consideration to the urban council's suggestion to establish a district home in Birr, County Offaly, before the county council undertakes any expenditure on proposed renovations or reconstruction of the existing county home in Tullamore; if he is aware of the urgent necessity for such a home in Birr to serve the needs of South Offaly; and if his Department will give approval to any such proposal, having regard to the distance between Birr and Tullamore.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Birr (Offaly) District Home.
8.
I am aware from newspaper reports that the Birr Urban District Council decided to make representations to the Offaly County Council on the lines mentioned by the Deputy. This is a matter for consideration in the first instance by the County council, but I understand that the representations made have not yet been examined by the council. In the absence of any proposals from the council and of any details regarding the proposed home, I am not in a position to offer any further comment at this stage.