asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be announced on the building of new dental hospitals for Dublin and Cork in view of the poor condition and general unsuitability of both hospitals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Hospitals.
11.
Mr. R. Burke
I hope to be in a position very soon to make a statement in regard to the future provision to be made for dental education in the country.
Is the Minister aware that he has been putting off this decision now for 18 months, that the two hospitals concerned are in a shocking condition; and as some kind of repairs are going on in the Dublin hospital at the moment, it would seem to indicate that it is unlikely that a new hospital will be built there? Can he indicate whether there will be a decision in principle to build a new hospital or not, and similarly in relation to Cork?
Mr. R. Burke
As I have said in my reply to the Deputy, I shall make a statement in the near future in regard to this.
How soon in the future? Will it be this month?
I want to know what the Minister means by "in the near future". Can the Minister remember that he gave that reply to a question in the House about seven months ago? Is he further aware that he has committed himself to a reply during the month of December to the Cork Dental Hospital situation? Is he still prepared to honour the commitment of making the announcement regarding Cork Dental Hospital in the month of December?
Mr. R. Burke
I cannot answer that, because there are circumstances which may prevent me from making the decision in December. If I am in a position to make it in December I shall make it in December.
Will the Minister give a guarantee that this announcement will be made before the Dáil goes into recess for the Christmas period and that it will not be announced when we are all away with no opportunity to discuss the matter?
Mr. R. Burke
I cannot give any guarantee as to the exact timing.
This has been the pattern of announcements up to now.
Further arising——
We cannot be unduly long on any one question——
I appreciate that, but this question has been kicked around this House for quite a long time. Can the Minister give us any indication when this announcement will be made?
We have had that question a few times.
Is the Minister aware that he made a firm commitment to give the answer in the month of December? Is he prepared to honour that commitment and, if he is not, what are the reasons for the further delay?
Mr. R. Burke
Nobody will be able to say whether I shall be able to honour this commitment until the end of December.
What are the reasons?