asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the deplorable condition of the old persons home at St. John of God's, Ballymote, County Sligo, and if he will give immediate approval to the amended draft plans submitted by North Western Health Board in October 1979; if he is further aware that money was made available for commencement of this project in 1979 and if he will make similar finance available in 1980.
Written Answers. - Ballymote (Sligo) Old Persons' Hospital.
554.
I am aware of the unsatisfactory condition of this home. Moneys were allocated in the 1979 Capital Budget for the planning of a nursing unit which is being provided by the North Western Health Board to replace the home.
The examination of the design brief for the project, submitted by the health board to my Department in October last, has been completed and a letter will issue to the board shortly.
I will make the necessary funds available to allow planning of the unit to continue during 1980.