andMiss Barry asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the acute bed shortage for geriatric patients in the north-east Cork district, he will make an immediate decision to proceed with the building of the long-awaited new wing at St. Patrick's Hospital, Fermoy, County Cork.
Written Answers. - County Cork Hospital Extension.
144.
I referred in reply to the Deputies' previous question regarding this project on 26 February 1980. Official Report, Volume 318, column 469, to the difficulties which had arisen regarding the cost of the proposed extension.
These difficulties have not been resolved and a further meeting has been arranged between officers of my Department and of the Southern Health Board on 17 December to discuss the matter.
When the question of the costings has been resolved the position regarding the project will have to be considered in the light of the current constraints on public expenditure and the availability of funds.