andMr. Griffin asked the Minister for Health his future plans for the County Hospital, Cashel, County Tipperary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Hospital.
43.
The future of the hospital at Cashel will be dealt with in an announcement on the hospital development programme for the country as a whole, which I hope to make shortly.
Could the Minister say what he means by "shortly"? Could he give us a reasonable explanation as to what shortly means?
No. I do not like to commit myself, but my plans are pretty well advanced and I will have an announcement to make in a very short time.
We have been hearing this from the Minister since some time last year. Late last year it would be "very shortly" and now it is "very shortly" again. Can we expect a definite answer in 1976 or 1977?
I did not use the word "shortly" over the last 18 months.
In the near future.
In the near future, shortly, I will do it as soon as I can.
Is the Minister having some difficulties in this?
Yes, the Minister is having some difficulties in this. This hospital programme will obtain for many decades to come and I want to ensure it is the correct hospital plan.
Could the Minister say where the problems are?
This is broadening the scope of the question. The question refers specifically to the Cashel County Hospital.
Would the Minister care to say?
The problems are in every health board.
Not at Cabinet level.
This is my responsibility.
Would the Minister agree a decision with regard to Cashel will affect the regional hospital to be established in Cavan?
That is not in order.
Will the Minister agree he promised a deputation he would have a statement to make at the end of January?
I will announce my decision as soon as I can. I appreciate the need for these hospitals. The matter has been on the stocks for quite a long time.
Is the Minister aware of a report recently in the Irish Medical Times?
I saw it.
Is there any basis of truth in the report?
I have no comment to make on it or on any speculation in any newspaper or periodical in respect of anything.
But the Minister is not saying that decisions have not been made?
Decisions have not been made.
None at all?
No answer.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.