asked the Minister for Health when he will advise Louth County Council of his views as to the utilisation of St. Joseph's Hospital, Ardee, County Louth.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Ardee (Louth) Hospital.
1.
As the Deputy is aware, the position generally as to the most suitable allocation of institutions to meet present and future hospital and allied accommodation needs in County Louth is being reviewed by the health authority and by my Department. My views on the future use of a number of the institutions involved have been conveyed to the health authority. Certain developments in the voluntary field are, however, taking place. Inquiries are being made with a view to clarifying the position in this regard and when these have been completed I hope to be able to give my views to the health authority as to the future use of St. Joseph's Hospital and any other matters which may call for comment.
Is the Minister aware that a good deal of our county home accommodation is in danger of falling down and that while the inmates are getting the best attention from the staff, the staff cannot substitute for bad housing? Would the Minister therefore convey the recommendation on St. Joseph's Hospital to us as quickly as possible as we have a subcommittee of the county council working for the past 12 months and waiting for the last nine of them for that recommendation?
I shall certainly communicate my views as soon as possible. I am astonished that the Deputy did not do all this when he was in a fit position to control the Government.
That, I think, was seven years ago.